Bio-Aerosol Exposure During Collection of Mixed Domestic Waste—an Intervention Study On Compactor Truck Design

Abstract

During collection of domestic waste in compactor trucks the waste collectors may be exposed to bio-aerosols. The purpose of this study was to elucidate to what extent an air pollution control system, composed of an air exhaust system mounted behind a plastic lamella curtain covering the scoop of a compactor truck, can reduce the exposure. Personal sampling of airborne contaminants were obtained from two crews collecting mixed domestic waste in containers using either a standard compactor truck or a compactor truck with the air pollution control system. Exposures were reduced when the waste was collected in the compactor truck with air pollution control as compared with the standard compactor: total dust reduction approximately two-fold (α = 3%); endotoxin reduction approximately two-fold (α = 10%); total microorganisms reduction approximately six-fold (α = 9%); viable bacteria reduction approximately three-fold (α =15%); and viable fungi reduction approximately four-fold (α = 1%). It is concluded that exposure to bio-aerosols during waste collection in compactor trucks can be reduced by mounting an air exhaust equipment behind a plastic lamella curtain covering the scoop of the compactor. © 1996 ISWA