Organic dust exposure and work-related effects among recycling workers.
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.
Gladding
Toni
T
Department of Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, United Kingdom. t.gladding@open.ac.uk
Thorn
Jörgen
J
Stott
David
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004391:Dust; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005936:Glucans / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced; D047071:beta-Glucans
D004391:Dust; D004731:Endotoxins; D005936:Glucans; D047071:beta-Glucans; C033363:beta-1,3-glucan