Organic dust exposure and work-related effects among recycling workers.
Am J Ind Med
; 43(6): 584-91, 2003 Jun.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-12768608
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Organic dust exposure and work-related symptoms and effects among household waste recycling workers in Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are a concern. MRFs are a central operation where source-segregated, dry, recyclable materials (paper, plastics, cans, etc.) are sorted, mechanically or manually, to market specifications for processing into secondary materials.METHODS:
One hundred and fifty-nine MRF workers (91%) from nine MRFs participated. Measurements of airborne total dust, endotoxin, (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan, and a questionnaire survey were carried out. Blood data was restricted to MRFs 3, 6, and 9 (45 workers). Blood sampling investigated differential cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and immunoglobulin (Ig)E.RESULTS:
Workers exposed to higher amounts of endotoxin and (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan had an increased risk for respiratory symptoms as compared to those with lower exposure. Stomach problems was associated to higher (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan exposure. MRF 3 had a higher (1-->3)-beta-d-glucan exposure compared to 6 and 9, and respiratory symptoms, unusual tiredness, and vomiting were reported more often in MRF 3. Monocyte numbers and ESR were significantly decreased in MRF 3 compared to MRF 6 and 9, but all measured values were within normal ranges.CONCLUSIONS:
The results suggest that MRF workers exposed to higher levels of endotoxin and (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan at their work sites exhibit various work-related symptoms, and that the longer a worker is in the MRF environment, the more likely he is to become affected by various respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Doenças Respiratórias
/
Exposição Ocupacional
/
Conservação dos Recursos Naturais
/
Beta-Glucanas
/
Poeira
/
Endotoxinas
/
Glucanos
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Ind Med
Ano de publicação:
2003
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Reino Unido