Occupational Exposure to Waste: Effect on Weight, Pre-diabetes, Cough and Flu in a waste-treatment Facility in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The Simpson Transfer Loading Station in Lagos, Nigeria, was established to treat and reduce waste volume before being transferred to permanent dumpsites. This study determined the demographic characteristics of workers and the effects of occupational exposure to waste in the facility. Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic data from 21 study participants, including age, gender, educational level, and frequent diseases expressed. After that, the body mass index (BMI) and fasting blood glucose of the participants were measured using a glucometer. The results showed that 18 (85.71%) of the respondents were male, while 3 (14.29%) were female. Most of the respondents were in the age class 31–40 years old, with 11 members (52.38%), followed by the age class > 40 with 7 representatives (33.33%), and the age class 21–30 with 3 members (14.29%). Respondents with primary education made up 2 (9.52%) of the total, those with secondary education made up 6 (28.57%), and those with tertiary education consisted of 13 members (61.90%). Four (19.01%) of the respondents had normal body weight, 9 (42.86%) were overweighed, and 8 (38.10%) were obese. Fifteen (71.43%) of the respondents had normal blood glucose, 5 (23.41%) were pre-diabetic, and 1 (4.76%) was diabetic. One (4.76%) of the respondents reported headache, 7 (33.33%) complained about flu, and 13 (61.90%) reported cough. It can be inferred from the results that occupational exposure to waste had negative effects on the workers. Management and workers in the facility need to take steps to reduce occupational exposure to waste and prioritize personal hygiene.