Bioaerosol exposure, inflammation, and symptoms in waste collectors: Work tasks, waste types, and hygiene practices

Waste collection is a critical sector, and maintaining a healthy working environment is essential. This study aimed to (i) characterize waste collectors’ exposure to bioaerosols, (ii) examine associations between workday exposure to bioaerosols and serum inflammatory markers, and between week-exposure and self-reported symptoms, and (iii) identify hygiene practices, work tasks, and waste types associated with reported symptoms. In a cross-sectional study, exposure was measured among 56 waste collectors using personal air samplers. Blood samples collected at the end of the workday were analyzed for three inflammatory markers. Participants completed a questionnaire on health symptoms, hygiene practices, and work tasks. Individual week-exposure estimates were derived from exposure measurements among 105 collectors, accounting for season, waste type, and work task. Inflammatory markers indicated low-grade systemic inflammation and were positively associated with workday exposure to anaerobic bacteria. Week-exposure to anaerobic bacteria was associated with increased odds of runny nose and sore throat. Eating in the truck cab was associated with eye symptoms and diarrhea. Use of hand sanitizer was associated with lower odds of nasal symptoms and colds. Cleaning of the truck waste compartment was associated with higher exposure and increased odds of eye and airway symptoms. These findings suggest that anaerobic bacterial exposure, work tasks, and hygiene behaviors may contribute to inflammatory responses and symptoms among waste collectors. The results should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and support the need for confirmatory intervention studies to evaluate causal relationships and preventive measures related to residual and biowaste collection, truck cleaning, and hygiene practices.