Year: 2020
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence of adverse health effects among recycling facility workers, and described their socioeconomic situation, health symptoms and work characteristics.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 71 workers in 20 electronic waste (e-waste) recycling facilities in southern Thailand.Data were collected by questionnaire.Risk factors were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis.Results: Recycling facility workers with blurred vision were significantly associated with being male (p = 0.035), over 40 years old (p = 0.020), and having ≤ secondary school education (p = 0.017).Rash/ itching was associated with being male (p = 0.011), over 40 years (p = 0.018), having ≤ secondary school education (p = 0.012).not using a cloth mask (p = 0.019), not using gloves (p = 0.028), not washing hands before lunch (p = 0.005), not cleaning clothes daily (p = 0.025), and not having established ventilation systems in the place of work (p = 0.018).Hand-and-feet numbness were associated with being male (p = 0.025), and being over 40 years (p = 0.023).Headaches were associated with being male (p = 0.028).Conclusion: Personal hygiene is important for this occupational group, and it should be emphasized in education programs.
Authors: Somsiri Decharat, Peeranart Kiddee
Institution: Thaksin University
Language: English
Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W3008109003