Municipal Solid Waste Exposure And Respiratory Health Of Garbage Collectors

Abstract

Garbage collectors face significant health risks due to prolonged exposure to municipal solid waste (MSW), potentially containing hazardous chemicals and pollutants. Despite projected increases in waste generation, research on respiratory health outcomes remains scarce. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the respiratory health of 71 garbage collectors from City Environment and Natural Resources Office-Las Piñas (CENRO-LP). The Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) assessed symptoms, activity limitations, psychosocial impacts, and overall health outcomes, which were compared to baseline data from individuals without respiratory conditions. Statistical analysis included frequency and percentage distributions for demographic and health profiles, with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) identifying significant differences based on demographic factors. Ethical considerations were ensured by obtaining informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring a right to withdraw. Findings revealed that 62% (44) of respondents experienced high levels of respiratory symptoms, and 54% (38) reported significant activity limitations. In contrast, 34% (24) reported high psychosocial impacts. Overall, 44% (31) of respondents had high total scores, indicating more significant respiratory health issues. Age did not significantly affect the results (p > 0.05); however, length of employment was a significant factor, with workers employed for over 10 years showing worse respiratory health outcomes (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of long-term intervention programs, including “ALAGA SA KALUSUGAN AT AKSYON SA PAGHINGA NG PALERO” for long-term garbage collectors, "PROTEKTADONG PAGHINGA: KALUSUGAN AT KALIGTASAN NG PALERO" seminar on MSW exposure, and the “ALAGA’T GINHAWA: ANG KARAVAN NG KALUSUGAN” free health caravan for providing accessible healthcare and education to improve respiratory health of garbage collectors and raise awareness of MSW-related risks.