Conditions and Environment of Work in Two Recycling Centers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

Authors

  • Andrea Mastrangelo Programa Salud Ambiente y Trabajo, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSaM). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas
  • Pablo Schamber Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas. Universidad Nacional de Quilmes
  • Arturo Lizuain Centro Nacional de Diagnóstico e Investigación en Endemoepidemias – Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS)
  • Natalia Guerreiro Martins Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas
  • Victorio Palacio Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales Humanas - ANLIS.

Keywords:

Waste Products, Occupational Health, Zoonoses

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recycling centers appear as an alternative for the employability of informal garbage collectors. However, there are deficiencies producing harmful effects on human health and the labor environment of these non-conventional workers. OBJECTIVES: To describe the process, conditions and environment of work of recycling centers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (MABA), evaluating physical demands and health risk. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in two recycling facilities located in the MABA, one in an urban setting and the other one in a peri-urban area. Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out with observation, interviews and group dynamics with projective techniques and eutony, in parallel with biological sampling. RESULTS: External risk situations were identified, along with other worker-related factors defined as demands. No viruses were found, although there are vectors of dengue and Saint Louis encephalitis. There is also circulation of parasites with reservoir in rodents, dogs and cats. Other risks associated with industrial waste, poor water supply and fire were documented. There was an overload on male workers. CONCLUSIONS: Sanitary surveillance is suggested in dogs, cats, rodents and insects, as well as random sampling of incoming materials. Job rotation and use of simple machines are indicated to reduce demands

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Published

02-05-2018

How to Cite

Mastrangelo , A. ., Schamber, P. ., Lizuain , A., Guerreiro Martins , N. ., & Palacio, V. (2018). Conditions and Environment of Work in Two Recycling Centers in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. Revista Argentina De Salud Pública, 9(34), 13–20. Retrieved from https://rasp.msal.gov.ar/index.php/rasp/article/view/569