Health Effects Associated With Organic Dust Exposure During the Handling of Municipal Solid Waste

Abstract

Municipal solid waste is a collection of discarded liquid and solid materials that serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Individuals involved in the collection, transport, transfer and management of this waste may be exposed to elevated concentrations of biological aerosols. Based on the nature of the work environment and the knowledge of bioaerosol related health effects in other occupations, the handling of municipal solid waste can be expected to result in adverse health outcomes. Only limited research has been performed to date evaluating the relationship between organic dust exposure and adverse health effects in these workers. The majority of this work has been conducted in Europe, with little performed in the United States. Although not extensive, the existing body of research suggests that there is an association between the performance of job tasks involving the handling of municipal solid waste and various respiratory, dermatologic and gastrointestinal health effects. While increased incidences of specific adverse health outcomes have been documented in this group of workers, the limited nature of exposure assessment in this body of research does not allow for strong evidence based conclusions to be drawn regarding exposure levels and associated health effects. Based on this review it is concluded that the detailed characterisation of organic dust exposure experienced by municipal solid waste workers is necessary in order to both improve understanding of resultant health effects and develop strategies to improve occupational health.