| Title: | Health risks of the occupational exposure to microbiological and chemical pollutants in a municipal waste organic fraction treatment plant |
| Author(s): | Nadal M; Inza I; Schuhmacher M; Figueras MJ; Domingo JL; |
| Address: | "Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Sant Llorenc 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.ijheh.2009.06.002 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 1618-131X (Electronic) 1438-4639 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Composting is a good alternative for the treatment of organic waste. However, an important amount of hazardous agents such as bioaerosols and volatile organic compounds may be released during the process. Therefore, the presence of microbiological and chemical pollutants emitted to air may mean a risk for the health of composting plants workers. We here report the results of an investigation aimed at evaluating the occupational exposure to chemical and biological agents for workers of an organic waste treatment facility (Montcada i Reixac, Catalonia, Spain). Total concentrations of bacteria and fungi (at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C), including Aspergillus fumigatus, were determined on a 3-month basis in 4 areas of the composting plant (reception, sorting, composting and cogeneration halls). Non-cancer and cancer risks were assessed. Workers in the sorting cabins seemed to be the most exposed to pollutants. Consequently, the use of preventive measures, such as integrated P3 filter masks and gloves are highly recommended. On the other hand, the emission and dispersion of bioaerosols and particles should be minimized during the process through the application of additional measures, such as the humectation of waste and the installation of biofilters. The results of this study can be useful to elaborate occupational risk prevention programs for workers in composting plants" |
| Keywords: | "Aerosols/analysis *Air Microbiology Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis Environmental Pollutants/*analysis/toxicity Humans Occupational Exposure/*analysis Protective Devices Risk Assessment Seasons Spain Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis *Waste Management;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineNadal, Marti Inza, Isabel Schuhmacher, Marta Figueras, Maria J Domingo, Jose L eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Germany 2009/07/10 Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2009 Nov; 212(6):661-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2009.06.002. Epub 2009 Jul 7" |
