Living and health conditions of environmental service providers of urban solid waste recycling

Abstract

Waste pickers, here called Environmental Service Providers (ESP), are essential in the cycle of reuse and recycling of urban solid waste, avoiding the inappropriate disposal of these materials, which becomes a source of income for these workers. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the living and health conditions of ESPs from urban solid waste recycling in a municipality in Serra Catarinense. This is exploratory-descriptive quantitative research carried out with 22 PSAs who work in a cooperative. Information was collected on sociodemographic profile, health conditions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), presence of hazardous waste in the sorting center, accidents in the handling and collection of waste. The profile of these workers was composed mainly of women, aged between 19 and 55 years, with low education and income. Regarding the health condition, the majority reported not having health problems, both related to lifestyle and the work process. It was found that the PSAs are exposed to hazardous waste that can interfere with their health conditions, such as waste from health services, agriculture, civil construction, among others. It is concluded that the life and health conditions of the PSAs are self-perceived by them as good, they present few signs and symptoms of illness, although they do not seek medical attention for routine health assessment. In addition, they report pleasure in carrying out activities related to work in waste recycling, despite living daily in an unhealthy environment. It is worth mentioning that the object of this research is socially relevant, environmentally necessary, academically committed and politically indispensable. Without science and knowledge of living, health and working conditions, the visibility of collectors, these important providers of environmental services, is not evidenced or expanded.