Acta Scientiarum. Health Sciences (Jan 2022)

Socio-environmental and parasitological aspects of waste pickers in Minas Gerais, Brazil

  • Maria Clara Lana Duarte,
  • Fâmela Ingrid Gomes Vieira,
  • Daiane Cristina de Assis Braga,
  • Juliana Cristina dos Santos Almeida Bastos,
  • Fernanda Barçante Perasoli,
  • Luan Silvestro Bianchini Silva,
  • Rosana Gonçalves Rodrigues-das-Dôres,
  • Lorena Cristina Lana Pinto

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4025/actascihealthsci.v44i1.56061
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 44, no. 1

Abstract

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The increase in the generation of Solid Urban Waste causes social, environmental problems and damages to the population's health. Professionals who work in the collection of recyclable waste are exposed to risks of contamination either by toxic elements or pathogenic organisms. The objective of the work was to estimate the types and prevalence of intestinal parasites in waste pickers. A field research was carried out from December 2017 to April 2018 with the voluntary participation of 26 waste pickers belonging to three associations in the municipality of Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, Brazil (CAAE: nº 79937817.7.0000.8122). In addition to the application a socio-environmental questionnaire, each volunteer provided a stool sample for laboratory testing the parasitological examination. Of the 26 survey participants, four (15.4%) had a positive result and were infected by the parasites Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba coli and Iodamoeba butschlii. Among the main factors that can contribute to the infection these waste pickers are the ingestion of untreated water for consumption in addition to reduced access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during waste management. One way to control the presence of parasites would be through health and environmental education actions, periodic parasitological examinations and permanent use of PPE.

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