Health risks of the informal waste collecting sector in countries in south east Europe

Živanov, Ivan and Ignjatović, Suzana and McWeeney, Gerry and Nitzan, Dorit (2017) Health risks of the informal waste collecting sector in countries in south east Europe. Public Health Panorama, 3 (2). pp. 277-281. ISSN 2412-544X

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Abstract

The waste management systems in some countries in south-east Europe are underdeveloped. The main driving force for environmental reform in these countries is the aspired accession to the European Union (EU). The waste recycling industry still predominantly depends on the informal waste management sector. These waste collectors, most of whom are Roma, are among the most deprived populations in south-east Europe. They are affected by limited formal education, poor housing conditions, a low status in the labour market and a precarious income. Previous studies revealed the high rates of chronic illness, such as back or neck pain, problems with legs and feet, depression and anxiety. Their poor health status is the result of two groups of factors: their socioeconomic status disadvantages and their exposure to waste collection-related occupational hazards. Further studies are needed to assess the role of occupational hazards in the poor health status of informal waste collectors in south-east Europe.

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