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Dermatoses acquired by solid‐waste handlers
Author(s) -
Gellin Gerald A.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700080416
Subject(s) - medicine , waste management , municipal solid waste , occupational exposure , environmental health , dermatology , engineering
A clinical evaluation of the skin changes and injuries among refuse (waste) collectors in San Francisco was conducted in 1983. Almost 75% had palmar calluses—a result of repeated pressure and friction. Those workers who protected their hands with gloves had practically normal skin, with minor or absent calluses. The majority of waste collectors sustained work‐related injuries each year. These consisted mainly of sprains, abrasions and lacerations, fractures, and eye injuries. Based on the injury rate, waste collection is a hazardous occupation. The skin is invariably traumatized.