Exposure to dangerous substances in the waste management sector

Introduction

The amount of waste generated in the EU has been growing and new waste handling processes have emerged in the waste management sector. Workers in the waste management sector may be exposed to biological and chemical risks such as vapours, smoke, fumes and dust as well and they may also need to handle chemical substances and infectious materials. According to interviews and follow-up studies workers in this sector have been found to experience more work-related symptoms and illnesses than other occupational groups [1], [2]. For example the work conducted in composting of waste facilities is associated with adverse acute and chronic respiratory health effects…