Exposure to bioaerosols and noise at a Finnish dry waste treatment plant.

Repeated measurements were carried out during two different campaigns between 1998 and 2001 to assess the occupational hygiene at a Finnish dry waste treatment plant. The analytical determinations were done in four different places within the processing hall of the plant: near a conveyor belt, near a jigger screen, near an after-crusher and near a bailer. Measurements were also carried out in a coffee room for employees. Concentrations of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were determined by two methods (six-stage impactor and Camnea method) and levels of endotoxins, dust and noise were also investigated. High concentrations of microbes and endotoxins and the noise level were found to be a real problem in the waste processing hall. Microbe concentrations were highest during management of the dry waste fraction. Endotoxin concentrations all exceeded the threshold value of 200 EU m(-3) irrespective of the measurement place, with the only exception near the after-crusher where the average concentration was always as low as 60 EU m(-3). The noise level exceeded the Finnish threshold value of 85 dBA. Problems were not easily solved through technical modifications and more radical improvements are needed. Improvements in reliability are also required in the measuring methods before their application in waste treatment plants. In particular, a new method of dust collection is recommended.