Bioaerosols, Noise, and Ultraviolet Radiation Exposures for Municipal Solid Waste Handlers

Table 4

Household hazardous waste compositional analysis and associated hazards.

Waste type	Components	Potential hazards for waste handlers
Toxic (1%)	Hair sprays, lotions, shampoos, expired medicines, and pesticides	This can lead to systemic intoxication from inhalational exposures. This can also lead to severe burns from accidental or spontaneous ignition of flammable materials.
	E-waste (e.g., fluorescent bulbs, car batteries, printer ink, and tonner)	Toxic metals in e-waste may damage target organs leading to various toxicity effects.
Infectious (2%)	Diapers and used tissue	Infectious waste can transmit bacteria responsible for spreading diarrhoeal diseases. Biodegradation of faecal matter in diapers generates offensive odours that can induce anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.
Mechanical hazards	Scrap metal, broken glass, razor blades, and needles	This can cause injuries through piecing and bruises and facilitate transmission of hepatitis B.

Average % by weight calculated per weekly waste generation rates.