| Document ID (ISN) | 65393 |
| CIS number |
95-1712 |
| Year |
1994 |
| Convention or series no. |
Final Report 01HK659/6
|
| Author(s) |
Stalder K. |
| Title |
Evaluation of the health risks to compost workers due to emission of microbes and development of protective measures |
| Original title |
Abschätzung von Gesundheitsrisiken für Müllwerker durch Keimemissionen und Entwicklung von Arbeitsschutzmassnahmen [in German] |
| Bibliographic information |
Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Technologie, 53170 Bonn, Germany, Apr. 1994. 55p. Illus. 68 ref. |
| Abstract |
The total and suspended particulate matter of 4 different composting plants was analyzed to determine the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Total values of pathogens ranged between 100 and 100,000cfu/m3. Viruses were detected in 49 of 165 samples. In all composting plants mesophilic and thermophilic actinomycetes were found in numbers above 100,000cfu/m3. Moulds mostly amounted to more than 10,000cfu/m3 with peaks of 1,000,000cfu/m3. Tests of sensitization to actinomycetes and moulds in 30 workers from the composting plants showed significantly higher antibody titres against actinomycetes than in a control group. There were no signs of illness in the workers. Health protection of workers can be achieved through blood monitoring for antibodies, enclosing conveyor belts, exhaust ventilation, confining the use of work clothing to the composting plant and prohibition of any food intake in the workplace. Summary in English. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
refuse; moulds; pathogenic bacteria; exposure evaluation; fungi; infectious diseases; garbage composting; viruses |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
Aspergillus moulds |
| Document type |
E - Books, reports, proceedings |
| Country / State or Province | Germany |
| Subject(s) |
Other industries and occupations
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Industries and occupations
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Waste collection and disposal
Exposure evaluation
Bacterial and parasitic diseases
|
