PEROSH joint research project: The biological working environment of waste collection workers

Description

European countries, the management of household waste has recently changed with an increased focus upon waste sorting resulting in lower collection waste frequency for some waste fractions. A consequence of this is the potential for increased growth of microorganisms in the waste before collection, which can lead to an increased exposure via inhalation for waste collection workers. Through a review of the literature, the PEROSH-group aimed to evaluate factors affecting waste collection workers’ exposure to bioaerosols and risks caused by the exposure to bioaerosols – and to illuminate potential measures to reduce the exposure.