Short communication, Note

Health impairments among refuse derived fuel workers

Sean Mahar ; School of Health Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
Stephen J. Reynolds ; The University of Iowa, Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, US
Nancy L. Sprince ; The University of Iowa, Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, US

Abstract

We conducted this study to address concerns regarding a perceived increase in bronchitis, skin rashes, and diarrhea and long term health effects in workers at two Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) processing plants. We abstracted medical records to assess symptom occurrence, and to identify spirometry and lab abnormalities overall FEV, and FVC showed no decrease over time for workers with more than five years of exposure. The primary self reported symptoms were low back pain and headaches followed by skin rashes, colds, 'flu', hay fever and ear problems. Conclusions from this analysis are limited by lack of standardized protocols or a control group. However, results from this analysis pointed out potential occupational health problems among RDF workers for future epidemiological and environmental studies.

Keywords

airborne dusts; bronchitis; pulmonary function changes; refuse derived fuel exposures; skin rash

Hrčak ID:

144357

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/144357

Publication date:

13.2.1998.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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