Abstract
BackgroundIndustrial composting is a relatively new and expanding activity. Several studies indicate that compost workers are at risk to develop health symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of work-related health symptoms among compost workers compared with control subjects.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed among 62 workers (31 exposed and 31 non-exposed workers). Data were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsWorkers exposed to organic dust reported significantly more often respiratory, irritation (e.g., eyes, nose and throat), gastrointestinal, and skin symptoms than the non-exposed group. Moreover, all work-related symptoms were significantly more often reported by exposed than non-exposed workers. After adjustment for smoking status and age, the associations between exposure and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin symptoms remained statistically significant, in particular if these symptoms were work-related.ConclusionsThis study confirms that workers at compost facilities are at risk to develop occupational health problems, most likely related to organic dust exposure.
Highlights
Industrial composting is a relatively new and expanding activity
In Europe, this expansion is partially related to European Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999, which aims at reducing the amount of municipal solid waste going to landfill
The composting process can be defined as a controlled biological degradation of organic waste under conditions that are predominantly aerobic
Summary
Several studies indicate that compost workers are at risk to develop health symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of work-related health symptoms among compost workers compared with control subjects. Industrial composting is a relatively new and expanding activity. The composting process can be defined as a controlled biological degradation of organic waste under conditions that are predominantly aerobic. This process results in a final product that can be applied for agricultural or horticultural purposes [1]. The compost industry in Flanders, Belgium, is a small sector wherein a limited number of people are employed. The sector comprises 25 green (park and garden waste) compost facilities (approximately 63 workers) and eight vegetable, fruit, and garden waste (VFG) compost facilities (approximately 72 workers) (personal communication: Wim Vanden Auweele, Vlaco, non-profit organization)
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