Occupational Dermatoses of Solid Waste Workers

The occupational health problems of municipal solid waste workers in Cincinnati, Ohio, are reviewed. A high frequency rate of lost-time injuries among waste collectors is confirmed. Forty-three percent of the laboring groups volunteered for a dermatologic examination. Occupational dermatoses most commonly observed included callused palms, bruised anterior legs (50% and 41%, respectively, among waste collection helpers), and hand dermatitis (52% of wastewater workers). Other common job-related conditions observed were folliculitis, abrasions, and xerosis. Among many nonoccupational dermatoses noted, certain microbial infections were indirectly related to the work. A brief historical review of the diseases of solid waste workers indicates an awareness of health hazards for over 250 years.