Author
Listed:
- Nonhlanhla Tlotleng
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Tahira Kootbodien
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Kerry Wilson
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Felix Made
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Angela Mathee
(School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Vusi Ntlebi
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Spo Kgalamono
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Moses Mokone
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Karen Du Preez
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
- Nisha Naicker
(National Institute for Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa)
Abstract
In developing countries, waste sorting and recycling have become a source of income for poorer communities. However, it can potentially pose significant health risks. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms and associated risk factors for respiratory health outcomes among waste recyclers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 361 waste recyclers at two randomly selected landfill sites in Johannesburg. Convenience sampling was used to sample the waste recyclers. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the population was 58.5%. A persistent cough was the most common symptom reported (46.8%), followed by breathlessness (19.6%) and rapid breathing (15.8%). Approximately 66.4% of waste recyclers reported exposure to chemicals and 96.6% reported exposure to airborne dust. A multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that exposure to waste containing chemical residues (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.01–3.22 p = 0.044) increased the odds of respiratory symptoms. There was a significant difference in respiratory symptoms in landfill sites 1 and 2 (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.03–7.42 p = 0.042). Occupational health and safety awareness is important to minimize hazards faced by informal workers. In addition, providing waste recyclers with the correct protective clothing, such as respiratory masks, and training on basic hygiene practices, could reduce the risks associated with waste sorting.
Suggested Citation
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng & Tahira Kootbodien & Kerry Wilson & Felix Made & Angela Mathee & Vusi Ntlebi & Spo Kgalamono & Moses Mokone & Karen Du Preez & Nisha Naicker, 2019.
"Prevalence of Respiratory Health Symptoms among Landfill Waste Recyclers in the City of Johannesburg, South Africa,"
IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-9, November.
Handle:
RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:21:p:4277-:d:283332
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