Chemical and microbiological monitoring of air in two waste incineration plants.

The study evaluated emissions from two incinerator plants and occupational exposure of workers during a six-year monitoring period (2004-2009). Chemical and microbiological analyses were performed by collecting environmental and staff individual air samples. Inspirable and respirable particulate and metals were measured in both environmental and staff samples; concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds and the presence of microorganisms were investigated only in environmental samples. The concentrations of all organic and inorganic compounds investigated were very low and always below the Italian legal limits and the threshold limits recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. In addition, microbial contamination was generally low in all the working areas considered. Study results revealed a good quality of air in the incineration plants and no apparent risk situation for the workers.