OBJECTIVES: In order that the occupational exposures and health risks for municipal waste incinerator operators be better determined, a study was carried out in three centres. METHODS: A transversal study was carried out for 102 male incinerator workers matched for age with 94 male workers from other industrial activities. Three groups of exposed workers were considered (group 1: "crane operators" and "equipment operators"; group 2: "furnace " workers; group 3: "maintenance" and "effluent-treatment" workers). Data were collected through a questionnaire and medical examination. The respiratory function was explored and blood samples were taken for biological analysis. Statistical analysis using chi(2) or Student's test, and calculation of odds-ratio (OR) using logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in general symptoms between the two groups. Skin symptoms (OR =4.85; 2.04-11.51 for the "maintenance and effluent" workers) were more often observed in the exposed group. An excess of respiratory problems was also encountered: daily coughing ["maintenance and effluent" groups (OR =2.55; 0.84-7.75); "furnace men" (OR =6.58; 2.18-19.85)]. A significant relationship between exposure and the decrease of several pulmonary parameters was observed. The liver and haematological tests were well within the normal range; nevertheless, a slight but significant increase in the white blood cells was observed in the exposed group. Higher blood lead levels were found for exposed workers. CONCLUSION: There were few adverse health effects in our morbidity study but skin irritation and cough were more frequent in the exposed workers. A slight decrease in pulmonary function was observed. These findings are in agreement with those of several other studies.
OBJECTIVES: In order that the occupational exposures and health risks for municipal waste incinerator operators be better determined, a study was carried out in three centres. METHODS: A transversal study was carried out for 102 male incinerator workers matched for age with 94 male workers from other industrial activities. Three groups of exposed workers were considered (group 1: "crane operators" and "equipment operators"; group 2: "furnace " workers; group 3: "maintenance" and "effluent-treatment" workers). Data were collected through a questionnaire and medical examination. The respiratory function was explored and blood samples were taken for biological analysis. Statistical analysis using chi(2) or Student's test, and calculation of odds-ratio (OR) using logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in general symptoms between the two groups. Skin symptoms (OR =4.85; 2.04-11.51 for the "maintenance and effluent" workers) were more often observed in the exposed group. An excess of respiratory problems was also encountered: daily coughing ["maintenance and effluent" groups (OR =2.55; 0.84-7.75); "furnace men" (OR =6.58; 2.18-19.85)]. A significant relationship between exposure and the decrease of several pulmonary parameters was observed. The liver and haematological tests were well within the normal range; nevertheless, a slight but significant increase in the white blood cells was observed in the exposed group. Higher blood lead levels were found for exposed workers. CONCLUSION: There were few adverse health effects in our morbidity study but skin irritation and cough were more frequent in the exposed workers. A slight decrease in pulmonary function was observed. These findings are in agreement with those of several other studies.
Authors: O M Poulsen; N O Breum; N Ebbehøj; A M Hansen; U I Ivens; D van Lelieveld; P Malmros; L Matthiasen; B H Nielsen; E M Nielsen Journal: Sci Total Environ Date: 1995-08-18 Impact factor: 7.963
Authors: L Coppeta; A Pietroiusti; S Policardo; F Mormone; O Balbi; E Tursi; S Baldi; E Plutoni; A Torriero; A Magrini Journal: J Occup Med Toxicol Date: 2019-07-04 Impact factor: 2.646
Authors: Marcin Cyprowski; Anna Ławniczek-Wałczyk; Agata Stobnicka-Kupiec; Małgorzata Gołofit-Szymczak; Rafał L Górny Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-07-23 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Daniela Porta; Simona Milani; Antonio I Lazzarino; Carlo A Perucci; Francesco Forastiere Journal: Environ Health Date: 2009-12-23 Impact factor: 5.984