Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and other health effects among workers in two refuse-derived fuel plants

This study was conducted to investigate health effects in workers at two refuse-derived fuel processing plants. Cross-shift pulmonary function testing and self reporting of symptoms from questionnaires formed the basis of a cross-sectional epidemiological study. Other topics addressed were exploration of the possibility of a hand to mouth component resulting in diarrhoea observed historically by the microbiological testing of skin. Symptoms of sinus trouble, headaches, nose irritation, and diarrhoea were reported by over 50% of the employees. Small, but statistically significant, cross-shift decrements of 1.50% and 2.01% were noted for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), respectively. Workers employed seven years or more had significantly larger cross-shift decrements in FVC and FEV1 than those employed for a shorter period. No active cases of diarrhoea were observed. Low lung function decrements characterise the observed workforce. Elevated reporting of some symptoms and a cross-shift decrement that increases with length of employment indicate that further study is warranted.