Risk factors for the occurring diseases associated with soil contamination among cemetery workers

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Introduction. Cemeteries are located near or on the territory of populated areas and occupy significant areas. However, the soils of cemeteries and their impact on the health of the population both living near necropolises and periodically coming into contact with the soil of burials due to ritual traditions have been little studied at present. Workers of burial grounds represent a special group. The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk of occurring diseases associated with soil contamination among cemetery workers. Materials and methods. A hygienic assessment of the soil was carried out in seven cemeteries. There was carried out a study of 3348 soil samples, of which sanitary-chemical – 432 samples, sanitary-parasitological – 540 samples, sanitary-bacteriological studies – 2376. Results. As studies have shown, the soil in the territory of cemeteries exceeds the content of heavy metals, such as chromium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, and lead. Which is an undoubted risk factor for the health of cemetery workers. Sanitary, microbiological, and parasitological studies also revealed a high biological danger of cemetery soils for workers. When calculated, the total hazard index exceeds 1, thus the likelihood of harmful effects on human health increases, and such exposure is characterized as unacceptable. Limitations. A limitation of the study is that the assessment was carried out only on the content of heavy metals whereas organic compounds in the soil were not taken into account due to the lack of standard values.