Factor Related to Airborne Fungi and Bacteria in The Cab of Garbage Trucks and Health Effects: A Case Study of a Municipality, Pathum Thani Province

Abstract

Waste workers are health risk of occupational exposure to airborne fungi and bacteria in the cab of garbage trucks. The objectives of this research were to study 1) the quantity of airborne fungi and bacteria in the cab of garbage trucks 2) relationship between the factor of condition of the garbage trucks and the quantity of airborne fungi and bacteria 3) relationship between the quantity of airborne fungi and bacteria and health effects. The samples were 23 of the garbage trucks and 86 of waste workers. The procedure of air sampling was performed as follows NIOSH method 0800. The data of waste workers and the condition of garbage trucks was collected by questionnaires. Chi-square test and Pearson correlation was used for relationship analysis. The results showed that the airborne fungi and bacteria ranged from 331.23-1,726.04 cfu/m³ และ 413.22-1,382.97 cfu/m³, respectively. It was found that 54.18 and 70.83 of garbage trucks had airborne fungi and bacteria higher than the recommended indoor air level of many institute (≤500 cfu/m³). Duration of garbage truck usage was significantly positively relationship with the quantity of airborne fungi (r=0.586, p-value<0.05). The quantity of airborne fungi and bacteria was significant positive relationship with fever/runny nose/cough/sneezing (r=0.314, p-value<0.05, respectively and r=0.222, p-value<0.05, respectively) and pus/rash/itching/dermatitis of skin (r=0.365, p-value<0.05 and r=0.234, p-value<0.05, respectively). Therefore, it is recommended provide a system for cleaning and maintaining the garbage truck, and promote waste workers wearing long sleeve shirts and long trousers for preventing exposure to microorganisms.