title: Assessment of wastewater treatment plant workers exposed to biosolids: Pilot test of a newly developed health survey.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test a health survey for wastewater treatment workers exposed to biosolids, using an upstream framework for environmental health. The questionnaire included items about health status, symptoms, frequency of contact with biosolids, use of personal protective equipment, and demographic data. A majority of workers regularly exposed to biosolids reported at least one health-related symptom, although some attributed their symptoms to contact with materials other than biosolids. All 11 participants took unnecessary health risks such as periodically neglecting to wear masks, respirators, gloves, or goggles to protect themselves from potential exposure to biosolids. However, those who reported symptoms were the least compliant with personal protective equipment use. Survey results highlighted that occupational health nurses must effectively communicate to their clients the need for proper use of personal protective equipment when working with potentially hazardous material.
authors.affiliation: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Connie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tatgenhorst
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Colleen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Webb
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011481:Protective Clothing; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D012722:Sewage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015144:Southeastern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012722:Sewage