This article focuses on an action-research project which is attempting to extend occupational health and safety to a group of street traders in Durban, South Africa, using a variety of different (and sometimes unconventional) institutional actors. The article is written from the perspective of key people who have played a role in conceptualizing and administering the project and is intended to deepen the conversation about what it means to extend occupational health to the informal economy. It explores this question through a reflection on three key project activities: the setting up of a trader-led health and safety committee, an occupational health and safety training course, and a clinical health assessment. It concludes with a discussion of the issues that emerge from the reflections of project participants, which include the need to bring occupational health and urban health into closer conversation with one another, the need to be cognizant of local "informal" politics and the impact that has on occupational health and safety interventions, and the need to create greater opportunities for occupational health and safety professionals to interact with workers in the informal economy.
BackgroundProlonged exposure to combustion of biomass fuels and other pollutants used in the cooking process has been shown to lead to adverse respiratory outcomes. Combustion of biomass fuels releases a variety of contaminants including particulates carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Informal street trading, particularly informal food preparation, using biomass fuels, is increasing in developing countries. ObjectivesTo compare the respiratory health outcomes among ambient pollutant exposed and non-exposed female informal street traders in Warwick Junction, Durban, South Africa.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 female traders selected from exposed and non-exposed areas within the Warwick Junction trading hub. Validated questionnaires, clinical assessments and lung function tests were conducted among all participants.ResultsParticipants were middle aged (mean age 43.6 years), of low socio-economic status and working in the Warwick Junction for average of 14 years. Increased exposure-related risks for key respiratory outcomes were found. Traders in exposed areas showed an increased risk of developing chronic bronchitis (OR = 2.6; CI: 1.5, 4.5) as compared to the non-exposed traders. Decreased lung capacity was observed in exposed traders, FEV1 (−0.2; CI: −0.4, −0.07) and FVC (−0.5; CI: −0.7, −0.3). Traders were also stratified according to trading areas and traders in the traditional herb market were found to have increased risk of developing adverse respiratory outcomes as compared to other trading areas. ConclusionAdverse respiratory outcomes among informal female street traders are likely to be associated with exposure to occupational pollutants, such as biomass fuels, plant extracts and dusty environments.
BackgroundInformal street traders are exposed on a daily basis to traffic emissions and biomass fuel smoke containing a variety of pollutants. These exposures are likely to place the female traders at increased risk for adverse reproductive outcomes.AimThe aim of this study was to compare the reproductive outcomes among street traders exposed to pollutants from their work-related activities and traders without such exposure.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 female traders selected from exposed and non-exposed areas within the Warwick Junction trading hub, located in Durban, South Africa. Validated reproductive questionnaires and clinical assessments were conducted on all participants. Adverse reproductive outcomes such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortions and infertility were assessed.ResultsThe mean age of the traders was 43.6 years (SD:12.1), mostly single (63%) and worked in trading hub for an average of 14 years. There were 876 pregnancies reported in the total sample. Traders pregnant while working in this location accounted for 120 pregnancies There was an increased risk of exposed traders having a low birth weight infant as compared to non-exposed traders (OR = 3.7; CI: 1.8, 7.6). Exposed traders were also almost 3 times more likely to be infertile as compared to non-exposed traders (OR = 2.6; CI: 1.6, 4.3).ConclusionsThis study has demonstrated that female street traders working within a trading hub in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; exposed to occupational pollutants show an association with developing infertility and low birth weight infants. Recommendations to mitigate adverse exposures have been suggested which include short term safety interventions and better cooking practices and future long term policy interventions.
Background: Informal street traders are exposed on a daily basis to traffic emissions and biomass fuel smoke containing a variety of pollutants. These exposures are likely to place the female traders at increased risk for adverse reproductive outcomes. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive outcomes among street traders exposed to pollutants from their work-related activities and traders without such exposure. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 female traders selected from exposed and non-exposed areas within the Warwick Junction trading hub, located in Durban, South Africa. Validated reproductive questionnaires and clinical assessments were conducted on all participants. Adverse reproductive outcomes such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortions and infertility were assessed Results: The mean age of the traders was 43.6 years (SD:12.1), mostly single (63%) and worked in trading hub for an average of 14 years. There were 876 pregnancies reported in the total sample. Traders pregnant while working in in this location accounted for 120 pregnancies There was an increased risk of exposed traders having a low birth weight infant as compared to non-exposed traders (OR=3.7; CI: 1.8, 7.6). Exposed traders were also almost 3 times more likely to be infertile as compared to non-exposed traders (OR=2.6; CI: 1.6, 4.3). Conclusions: Working as a street trader may have a causal association with developing adverse reproductive outcomes in females. Recommendations to mitigate adverse exposures have been suggested which include short term safety interventions and better cooking practices and future long term policy interventions.
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