NFA has started a joint research project on occupational exposure to microorganisms as related to new waste sorting instructions and the associated reduced frequency of waste collection.
Recycling is increasing globally, and waste is sorted into new and different fractions. Due to the reduced frequency with which specific types of waste are collected, combined with overall rising temperatures, we expect an increased microbial growth in this waste. Furthermore, with the expanded sorting, we expect workers at sorting plants to come into closer proximity of the waste.
To address health concerns associated with this new waste management process, it is necessary to characterize the worker exposure and the inflammatory and infective potential of this exposure.
This project aims on pointing towards solutions on how to reduce waste workers’ bioaerosol exposure. Read more …
Project leader
Anne Mette Madsen is the senior researcher and leader of the Microbiology group at NFA. She works with occupational exposure to bioaerosols. Right now, the focus is on exposure to the antibiotic resistant bacterium, MRSA, and fungal and bacterial species in general during work on farms, in assisted living facilities, in greenhouses, and in the waste management industry, as well as the inflammation associated with this exposure.
