Health Conditions of Recyclable Waste Pickers

Auler, Flavia; Nakashima, Alika Terumi Arasaki; Cuman, Roberto Kenji Nakamura

doi:10.1007/s10900-013-9734-5

Cited by 46 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…As observed elsewhere, the level of education among recyclable waste collectors was low [7][8][9]12,15 . In fact, nearly 73% of the study population had less than 8 years of schooling.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

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Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil

Marinho

Lopes

Teles

et al. 2014

Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop.

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introduction:The collection of recyclable waste materials is a widespread activity among the urban poor. Today, this occupation attracts an increasingly large number of individuals. Despite its economic and environmental importance, this activity is associated with unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroepidemiological profi le of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a population of recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil. Methods: Recyclable waste collectors from all 15 recycling cooperatives in Goiânia City were invited to participate in the study. The participants (n = 431) were interviewed and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HBsAg-and anti-HBc-positive samples were tested for HBV DNA and genotyped. Results: The overall prevalence of HBV infection (HBsAg-and/or anti-HBc-positive) was 12.8%. An age over 40 years and illicit drug use were associated with HBV infection. HBV DNA was detected in 2/3 HBsAg-positive samples and in 1/52 anti-HBc-positive/HBsAg-negative samples (an occult HBV infection rate of 1.9%), in which the genotypes/subgenotypes A/A1, D/D3 and F/F2 were identifi ed. Only 12.3% of the recyclable waste collectors had serological evidence of previous HBV vaccination. Conclusions: These fi ndings highlight the vulnerability of recyclable waste collectors to HBV infection and reinforce the importance of public health policies that address the health and safety of this socially vulnerable population.

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“…As observed elsewhere, the level of education among recyclable waste collectors was low [7][8][9]12,15 . In fact, nearly 73% of the study population had less than 8 years of schooling.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 53%

“…Despite its economic and environmental importance, this occupation is associated with unsafe and unhealthy working conditions. In addition, recyclable waste collectors have a lifestyle that is characterized by socioeconomic exclusion and stigmatization [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] .…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in central Brazil

Marinho

Lopes

Teles

et al. 2014

Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop.

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“…However, a recent study from Brazil detected hypertension amongst 32.8% of street sweepers and waste pickers (Auler et al, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Occupational Health-Related Morbidities Among Street Sweepers and Waste Collectors at Beni-Suef, Egypt

et al. 2013

Egypt. J. Occup. Med.

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Introduction: Street sweepers play an important role in maintaining the health and hygiene in the communities. However, their job exposes them to various hazards while, little or no attention is paid to their health status. Aim of the work: To study the possible work-related morbidities among street sweepers and waste collectors emphasizing on the occupational risks they are exposed to and the preventive measures they take to avoid their job-related hazardous exposures. Materials and Methods: A total of 138 street sweepers and waste collectors and a matching control group of randomly selected 127 university workers and clerks were interviewed, answered the study questionnaire, and had medical examination, then they offered blood and stool samples for laboratory investigations. Results: Compared to the control group, street sweepers and waste collectors had significantly higher rates of HCV seropositivity, parasitic infestations, skin irritation, respiratory complaints and work-related injuries; but with significantly lower mean hemoglobin levels, (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was detected for HBV infection, eye complaints, joint or lower back pains. Most of street sweepers had never been medically examined, vaccinated, trained for safety practices or even health educated regarding their occupation-related health hazards. Conclusion: Street sweeping and waste collection

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“…Many wastepickers have few years of education, which prevents them from entering the workforce or obtaining jobs with higher skill levels. While wastepicking provides an income, it often does not include employment benefits, and in some cases the recycling industry may take advantage of wastepickers (Auler et al 2014). Likewise, wastepickers bear the risk of inclement weather, harassment from authorities and other citizens, and potential injuries from scavenging.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Fear of deportation also adds to vulnerability. All these factors make wastepickers an economically and socially vulnerable subgroup in a society (Auler et al 2014). Vulnerable groups need special attention if their situation is to be improved, meaning their needs must be understood and their challenges should demand solutions.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%