Systematic Review: Occupational illness in the waste and recycling sector

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Environmental health
• Industrial hygiene

Background:

• The waste and recycling sector is expanding, raising questions about the necessity and methods of health surveillance for its workforce.
• Current understanding of health risks and appropriate surveillance strategies for waste and recycling workers remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature to identify health hazards, biological effects, and occupational illnesses experienced by workers in the waste and recycling industry.
• To inform the development of targeted health surveillance programs for this sector.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic review of published literature was conducted.
• Two UK databases were searched to identify relevant studies and reports.

Main Results:

• The waste and recycling sector exhibits higher rates of fatal, non-fatal injuries, and self-reported illnesses compared to the UK industry average.
• Workers exposed to compost showed increased respiratory, gastro-intestinal, and skin issues, with potential risks of allergic alveolitis, asthma, and lung function abnormalities.
• Specific recycling activities pose risks such as lead and heavy metal poisoning (batteries, cables), mercury poisoning (fluorescent lights), and exposure to heavy metals and organic pollutants like PBDEs, dioxins, and PAHs from e-waste, linked to DNA damage and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions:

• While various health issues and biological effects are documented in waste and recycling workers, their full prevalence is likely underestimated.
• Implementing targeted health surveillance is crucial for accurately assessing occupational exposures and identifying associated illnesses.