Prevalence of Work-Related Rhino-Conjunctivitis and Respiratory Symptoms Among Domestic Waste Collectors

Abstract

Waste collectors may suffer from acute and chronic health effects caused by organic dust (bioaerosols). Pathophysiological symptoms may originate either from allergic or irritative pathomechanisms, but an explicit distinction of the etiology is often complicated although crucial for proper risk assessment and workplace prevention. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 69 male waste collectors from the Ruhr area in Germany underwent a customized testing protocol including a modified questionnaire, basic clinical examination, spirometry, and immunologic parameters. Subjects were classified according to their work tasks into loaders (n=27), floaters (n=29), and drivers (n=13). We found that a high percentage of the workers had complaints (eyes 29.0%, nose 39.1%, and cough 34.8%) which were strongly work-related. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that duration of employment in waste collection (per 10 years) was associated with an increased prevalence of cough (OR=1.64, 95% CI 0.81; 3.35) and chronic bronchitis (OR=2.18, 95% CI 0.80; 5.92). An association between rhinitis and cough (OR=2.62, 95% CI 0.94; 7.27) was found, which supports the association between the prevalence of upper and lower airway disease. Furthermore, when adjusting for smoking status, atopic subjects suffered more frequently from irritation of the lower airways as indicated by cough (OR=2.71, 95% CI 0.91; 8.08). In conclusion, the study demonstrates associations between the prevalence of upper and lower airway disease in waste collectors. Notably, an underlying allergic disease in waste collectors could be suspected more commonly than previously reported.

Occupational and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Cough in Adults

“…Examples showing the range and frequency include mild steel welding with metal and gas exposure such as manganese and ozone (in 24% of workers), 94 seafish processing, 95 compost workers and garbage collectors. 96,97 Among Egyptian textile workers, chronic cough was reported in 33% compared with 6% of control subjects, 98 and among brick kiln workers in Pakistan, 22% had a chronic cough. 99 There has also been an occupational association made between gastroesophageal reflux disease and cough 100 in choristers and in first responders following exposure to World Trade Center irritants.…”

Occupational health hazards of street cleaners – a literature review considering prevention practices at the workplace

“…A current review has shown that the main occupational hazards in the waste collecting and composting sector are heavy manual handling and exposure to bioaerosols [7]. Bioaerosol exposure is associated with eye, nose, throat, and respiratory symptoms of toxic, irritant or allergic origin [7,8]. In Germany, there exist certain accident prevention regulations for the waste collecting and composting sector [9,10].…”

A study of the potential release of bioaerosols from containers as a result of reduced frequency residual waste collections

“…Whilst some work has been undertaken to assess the health risks associated with bioaerosols emitted from general waste collection (Neumann et al, 2005, Roodbari et al, 2013, Kuijer et al, 2010, Neumann et al, 2014, Schantora et al, 2015, source separated recyclable collection (Heldal et al, 1997) and indoor storage of organic waste (Wouters et al, 2000) no studies to date have detailed the risks associated with storage and collection of containers (bins) containing only the residual fraction after recycling. Therefore, the aims of this study were three-fold: 1) To explore the potential for bioaerosol emissions arising from the extended storage of residual waste material, 2) To explore the link between these emissions and potential health impacts on householders and waste collectors, and,…”