Assessing waste collectors' exposure to bioaerosols

Abstract

Published studies on household wastecollectors' exposure to airborne biologicalagents (bioaerosols) do not indicate highexposures to these agents. However, thesestudies did not consider several factors. Theobjective of this study was to characterize theexposure of waste collectors to bioaerosols andto propose solutions to control exposures tothese agents.Personal exposures of waste collectors tobioaerosols (total bacteria, endotoxins andmolds) were measured for seven types ofcollection during the summer, which representsthe worst conditions. The effect of truckcleaning was also evaluated. Meanconcentrations of bacteria were all in theorder of 103–104 CFU/m3 of air. Theintervention threshold was exceeded forendotoxins during the collection of compostonce every two weeks in the country. Meanconcentrations varied from 8.5 to 100 endotoxinunits per cubic meter of air (EU/m3). Measuredmean concentrations of molds were between 8,300and 98,170 CFU/m3 of air. Also, the cleaningof an empty garbage truck does not improve thequality of the air. On the other hand, a dirtytruck is not a major source of bioaerosols.The sources of these bioaerosols are leachate,particularly if the waste in the truck is oforganic origin, as well as the garbage pailsthat contain this waste. Unnecessary exposuresto these sources should therefore be avoided. For bioaerosols, stringent personal hygienemeasures remain one of the best means ofprevention.