Quantitative risk assessment of occupational exposure to PCDD/Fs in the waste incineration industry / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To analyze the level of PCDD/Fs exposure of occupational workers in the waste incineration industry and explore the risk of occupational exposure. Methods: In September 2021, literature on environmental PCDD/Fs exposure in waste incineration plants published from the establishment of the database to February 10, 2021 was retrieved from CNKI database. A total of 1365 literatures were retrieved, and 7 met the criteria for inclusion. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) inhalation risk model was used to assess and analyze carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of PCDD/Fs exposure among occupational workers in the waste incineration industry. Results: A total of 86 sampling sites were included in incineration plants in 7 regions. The study of Wuhan area showed that the concentration of working environment near the waste incinerator in the same factory was the highest, followed by the rest and office area in the factory. The concentration of PCDD/Fs in waste incinerators was the highest in Southwest China (4880.00-24880.00 pg TEQ/m(3)), and the lowest in Shenzhen (0.02-0.44 pg TEQ/m(3)). According to the cancer risk assessment, with the increase of exposure years, the risk of cancer increased. The highest risk of cancer was found in the waste incineration plants in Southwest China. When the exposure period was 1 year, the risk was moderate (22.40×10(-6)-114.20×10(-6)). When the exposure time was more than 5 years, the risk of cancer was high. In Jinan, workers working near the incinerator had a moderate risk of cancer after five years of exposure. In Zhejiang, workers were at medium risk of cancer after exposure for more than 20 years. Workers in Wuhan, Shanghai, Zhejiang Province, Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta were still at low risk of cancer after 40 years of occupational exposure. HQ>1 of workers working near the waste incinerators in Jinan, Zhejiang Province and Southwest China, and the qualitative evaluation results showed that the non-carcinogenic risk was unacceptable. Conclusion: There are great differences in PCDD/Fs of occupational exposure in waste incineration industry, and the occupational exposure exceeding the occupational exposure limit has higher carcinogenic and non carcinogenic risks.

Análise da aplicabilidade da Portaria 557 do Ministério das Cidades em estudos de viabilidade técnico-econômica para incineração com recuperação energética de resíduo sólido urbano no Brasil / Analysis of the applicability of Ordinance 557 of the Ministry of Cities in technical-economic feasibility studies for incineration with MSW energy recovery in Brazil

RESUMO Os estudos de viabilidade técnico econômica são elementos primordiais para a viabilização de projetos de saneamento, inclusive de incineração de resíduo sólido urbano com recuperação energética. O artigo teve como base os padrões para estudos de viabilidade técnico econômica conforme Portaria n° 557 do Ministério das Cidades, previstos na lei n° 11.445 que estabelece diretrizes nacionais para o saneamento básico. Foram realizadas visitas técnicas em quatro incineradores em operação na Suíça e dois em Portugal, com o objetivo de estabelecer um benchmarking para referenciar a análise da aplicação da Portaria, a identificação dos fatores críticos que dificultam a adoção dessa tecnologia no Brasil, assim como as ações necessárias para a viabilidade técnico-econômica do incinerador. Os principais fatores críticos identificados foram a localização da planta, o efeito Not in My Backyard, a concepção de conflito entre reciclagem e incineração, o elevado investimento inicial, o risco de adoção de tecnologias já superadas, a falta de experiência e mão de obra capacitada local, a variação e sazonalidade na alimentação de resíduo sólido urbano, a volatilidade do preço da energia no mercado, as receitas mínimas para viabilidade financeira, a adequação do arcabouço legal e a seleção de modelo de negócio adequado.

ABSTRACT Technical-economic feasibility studies are essential elements for making sanitation projects feasible, including projects of MSW incinerators with energy recovery. This article is based on the reference standards for technical-economic feasibility studies according to Ordinance No. 557 (2016) of the Ministry of Cities, provided for in Law No. 11.445, which establishes national guidelines for basic sanitation. Technical visits were carried out in four incinerators in Switzerland and two in Portugal in order to establish a benchmark to reference the analysis of the application of the Ordinance, the identification of critical factors that hinder the adoption of this technology in Brazil, as well as the necessary actions for technical-economic feasibility. The objective of this article is to propose an adaptation of the technical-economic feasibility studies model of the Ordinance for a MSW incinerator project with energy recovery, identifying the critical factors and actions related to the financial-economic viability that hinder the adoption of this technology in Brazil. The critical factors identified were the location of the plant, the Not in My Backyard effect, the concept of conflict between recycling and incineration, the high initial investment, the risk of adopting technologies that have already been overcome, the lack of experience and hands of qualified local work, variation and seasonality in MSW supply, volatility in the price of energy in the market, minimum revenues for financial viability, adequacy of the legal framework, and selection of an appropriate business model.

Análise do monitoramento ambiental da incineração de resíduos sólidos urbanos na Europa e a necessidade de alterações na legislação brasileira / Environmental monitoring analysis of municipal solid waste incineration in Europe and the needs for changes in brazilian legislation

RESUMO A incineração é uma tecnologia de tratamento térmico de resíduos sólidos cujo principal objetivo é a redução do volume e da massa dos resíduos a serem depositados em aterros. Os incineradores construídos nas últimas décadas trazem a possibilidade de recuperação energética dos resíduos, na forma de vapor e/ou energia elétrica, entretanto essa tecnologia ainda gera questionamentos sobre possíveis impactos ambientais relacionados às suas emissões. A incineração é regulada na Europa por legislação específica que, entre outras questões, obriga a divulgação de dados de monitoramento ambiental de incineradores. No presente trabalho, são analisados dados de emissões atmosféricas de incineradores associados à Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants (CEWEP), por meio de buscas nos websites dos respectivos incineradores, em artigos científicos e relatórios técnicos. Foram examinados dados de monitoramento de todos os poluentes de medição contínua e periódica definidos na legislação da UE, em séries temporais de 2010 a 2017. Todos os valores médios anuais de emissões nos incineradores analisados estiveram abaixo dos limites definidos pela diretiva europeia, com pequena variação ao longo dos anos observados. A comparação dos padrões de emissão europeus com os brasileiros mostra a necessidade de mudança na legislação local referente à incineração para que, caso essa tecnologia seja implementada no Brasil, ela possa operar respeitando limites seguros, com garantia de minimização de impactos ao ambiente e às populações do entorno.

Abstract Incineration is a solid waste treatment technology whose main purpose is to reduce the volume and mass of the waste to be disposed of in landfills. The incinerators built in the last decades bring the possibility of energy recovery from waste, in the form of steam and/or electric energy. However, this technology still raises questions about possible environmental impacts related to its emissions. Incineration is regulated in Europe through specific legislation which, among other issues, requires the disclosure of environmental monitoring data for incinerators. In the present work, atmospheric emissions data from incinerators associated with the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants (CEWEP) are analyzed by searching the websites of the respective incinerators, scientific articles and technical reports. Monitoring data on all continuous and periodic measured pollutants defined in the legislation in time series from 2010 to 2017 were analyzed. All annual average emission values of the incinerators analyzed were below the limits defined by the European Union's Directive, with little variation over the observed years. The comparison of European with Brazilian emission standards shows the need for a change in local legislation on incineration so that, if this technology is implemented in Brazil, it will operate within safe limits, with a guarantee of minimizing impacts on the environment and surrounding populations.

Application of semi-quantitative comprehensive index method in occupational health risk assessment in domestic waste incineration plant / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo explore the applicability of semi-quantitative comprehensive index method in occupational health risk assessment in domestic waste incineration industry. MethodsThe flue gas purification system in a domestic waste incineration plant was selected as the study subject. The risk assessment of chemical hazards were conducted using semi-quantitative comprehensive index method in the “Guidelines for occupational health risk assessment of chemicals in the workplace” （GBZ/T 298—2017）. ResultsThe occupational health risk levels of hydrogen chloride， sulfur dioxide and activated carbon were low while using flue gas purification system， while the risk levels of lead and lead compounds， cadmium and cadmium compounds， ammonia and sodium hydroxide were medium. ConclusionThe assessment results of semi-quantitative comprehensive index method are basically consistent with the current situation of occupational health risk of flue gas purification system in a domestic waste incineration plant， which can provide the basis for enterprises to take occupational health risk control measures.

Application of semi-quantitative comprehensive index method in occupational health risk assessment in domestic waste incineration plant / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo explore the applicability of semi-quantitative comprehensive index method in occupational health risk assessment in domestic waste incineration industry. MethodsThe flue gas purification system in a domestic waste incineration plant was selected as the study subject. The risk assessment of chemical hazards were conducted using semi-quantitative comprehensive index method in the “Guidelines for occupational health risk assessment of chemicals in the workplace” （GBZ/T 298—2017）. ResultsThe occupational health risk levels of hydrogen chloride， sulfur dioxide and activated carbon were low while using flue gas purification system， while the risk levels of lead and lead compounds， cadmium and cadmium compounds， ammonia and sodium hydroxide were medium. ConclusionThe assessment results of semi-quantitative comprehensive index method are basically consistent with the current situation of occupational health risk of flue gas purification system in a domestic waste incineration plant， which can provide the basis for enterprises to take occupational health risk control measures.

Medical waste: the dark side of healthcare / Resíduo hospitalar: o lado sombrio da assistência médica

Abstract Hospitals and other health facilities generate an ever-increasing amount of waste, approximately 15% of which may be infectious, toxic, or radioactive. The World Health Organization has been addressing the issue since the 1980s. After initially focusing on high-income countries, it then focused on low-income countries, with unsafe disposal methods in landfills and inadequate incinerators as major concerns. Gradually, the understanding of the issue has undergone several shifts, including from a focus on the component of medical waste considered "hazardous" to all forms of waste, and from accepting medical waste as a necessary downside of high-quality healthcare to seeing the avoidance of healthcare waste as a component of high quality healthcare.

Resumo Hospitais e outros centros de tratamento de saúde geram um volume de resíduos cada vez maior, dos quais cerca de 15% podem ser infecciosos, tóxicos ou radioativos. A Organização Mundial da Saúde começou a enfrentar o problema na década de 1980. Inicialmente, concentrou-se nos países ricos, depois mudou o foco para os países pobres, onde métodos de eliminação inseguros, como aterros sanitários e incineradores inadequados, preocupavam. Aos poucos, a compreensão do problema passou por mudanças, inclusive do enfoque no conteúdo do resíduo hospitalar considerado "perigoso", passando para todas as formas de resíduos, e da aceitação do resíduo médico como um inconveniente inerente aos cuidados de saúde de alta qualidade, até o conceito de que evitar a produção de resíduos hospitalares faz parte dos cuidados de saúde de alta qualidade.

Knowledge, attitude and practice study on bio-medical waste management among interns in a tertiary care hospital in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu

Background: All the wastes which are generated by the hospital are collectively called as health care waste. The medical interns exposed to various health hazards while working in the hospital during their training period. The study was done with the aim to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding various aspects of biomedical waste management amongst interns in a tertiary care hospital, Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu.Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study carried out among 94 interns who had cleared the final MBBS exams and 81 interns who participated in the study after giving informed consent. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire on knowledge and awareness of bio-medical waste management policy and practice were given to the interns. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel.Results: Around 63% interns knew the correct definition of biomedical waste. 24.6% interns were aware that authorization is required for biomedical waste management by Central Pollution Control board. Only 22.2% of the interns had undergone the training programme and 64.1% were keen to attend training program for biomedical waste management. 88.8% knew about sources of generation of BMW and 96% had knowledge of bio-hazard symbol. 72.5% had knowledge of segregation of waste but none had knowledge of correct colour coding. 91.3% said that record maintenance was essential for biomedical waste management. 96.2% agreed that BMW is teamwork.Conclusions: It is hour of need for rigorous training, IEC program for all the medical interns to make them aware of the various health hazards associated with biomedical waste products.

Risk assessment of dioxin in the surrounding area of a waste incineration plant in Beijing / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#Assess the health risks faced by local residents, based on the results of dioxin detection in the surrounding area of a waste incineration plant in Beijing.@*Methods@#Select three representative points plant near the waste incineration plant--the people's government, Central Primary School and a community, collect 4 air and soil samples and detect their dioxin concentrations from March to December 2016, respectively, simulate people's intake through breathing, skin contact and soil intake, assess residents' lifetime cancer risk according to epidemiological studies.@*Results@#The daily average concentration in air at three test points were 0.15, 0.17, 0.19 pg/m3, and 12.5, 20.2, 6.1 ng/kg in soil. At three representative sites, residents' lifetime cancer risk through breathing from 9.55×10-6, 1.08×10-5, 1.21×10-5 in the people's government, Central Primary School and a community, while through skin contact were 3.40×10-7, 5.50×10-7, 1.65×10-7, respectively. The lifetime cancer risk through soil intake range from 2.08×10-6 to 6.91×10-6. The lifetime cancer risk of eating vegetables ranges from 5.50×10-6 to 6.98×10-6. The lifetime cancer risk of eating chicken or eggs ranges from 2.72 ×10-9 to 6.30×10-9. Residents' lifetime cancer risk through soil intake, eating vegetables and eating chicken or eggs ranges from 2.08×10-6 to 6.30×10-9.@*Conclusion@#Under all exposures, the life time risk of cancer for residents around the waste incineration is under the upper end of the range of acceptability(10-4).

Potencial energético de resíduos sólidos domiciliares do município de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brasil / Energy potencial of household solid waste (HSW) in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil

RESUMO A disposição dos resíduos sólidos domiciliares (RSD) é um desafio na maior parte dos municípios brasileiros, pois é realizada sem tratamento prévio, trazendo inúmeros impactos. A utilização de incineração com recuperação energética possibilita a redução dos impactos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o potencial energético dos RSD do município de Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brasil. Para isso, foram coletadas amostras no aterro do município para a realização das análises. A caracterização gravimétrica apresentou valores de 0,28 kg kg-1 para os recicláveis, 0,44 kg kg-1 para a matéria orgânica e 0,28kg kg-1 para os rejeitos. Os conteúdos de carbono fixo variaram de 0,06 a 0,09 kg kg-1, os de materiais voláteis de 0,75 a 0,81 kg kg-1 e os de cinzas de 0,10 a 0,18 kg kg-1. E o poder calorífico superior médio apresentou valor elevado, 19.807 kJ kg-1, se comparado com o de resíduos de outras cidades do mundo.

ABSTRACT Household solid waste (HSW) disposition is a challenge for the majority of the Brazilian cities, most held without pretreatment, which causes impacts. Incineration with recovery energy is an alternative to reduce impacts. In this study we analyzed the energy potential of HSW in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. Samples were collected at the municipal landfill for the analysis. Waste gravimetric characterization showed value 0.28 kg kg-1for recyclables, 0.44 kg kg-1for organic matter and 0.28 kg kg-1 for rejects. The fixed carbon content ranged from 0.06 to 0.09 kg kg-1, the volatile materials from 0.75 to 0.81 kg kg-1 and ashes from 0.10 to 0.18 kg kg-1. The average gross calorific value showed high value, 19,807 kJ kg-1, compared to the waste of other cities in the world.

Desempenho ambiental da destinação e do tratamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos com reaproveitamento energético por meio da avaliação do ciclo de vida na Central de Tratamento de Resíduos - Caieiras / Environmental performance of the allocation and urban solid waste treatment with energetic reuse through life cycle assessment at CTR - Caieiras

RESUMO A principal destinação de resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) coletados no Brasil tem sido aterros controlados e sanitários. Em raros casos, são aplicadas outras soluções, que poderiam trazer benefícios adicionais para as localidades. O aproveitamento do RSU é uma alternativa promissora. De imediato, apresenta-se a alternativa de geração de energia elétrica. Nesse caso, embora não se trate de potencial com dimensão suficiente para sustentar uma estratégia de expansão da oferta de energia elétrica do país em longo prazo, a geração de eletricidade mediante RSU é elemento importante de uma estratégia regional ou local e, portanto, não deve ser desconsiderada. Nesse cenário, este trabalho procurou estudar a viabilidade de implementação de tecnologias alternativas e complementares de destinação de RSU com geração de energia elétrica, levando em consideração seus impactos ambientais e utilizando como ferramenta a Avaliação de Ciclo de Vida (AVC). Os resultados mostraram que, entre as alternativas levadas em conta neste estudo, a geração de energia elétrica por intermédio dos processos combinados de tratamento mecânico biológico e incineração é a mais atraente em termos de impactos ambientais. A geração de energia elétrica por meio do processo de incineração mass burning mostrou-se também atraente no tocante a impactos ambientais. Como conclusão geral deste estudo, identificou-se a existência de alternativas e oportunidades para a implementação de projetos relacionados à geração de energia elétrica no Brasil por RSU, especialmente pelo processo de incineração, embora ainda existam barreiras econômicas, políticas e sociais que precisam ser vencidas.

ABSTRACT The main destination of municipal solid waste (MSW) collected in Brazil has been landfills and sanitary landfills. In rare cases, other solutions are applied, which may bring additional benefits to localities. The use of MSW is a promising alternative. At once, it is an alternative of generating electricity. In this case, although it is not sufficient to support a strategy to expand the Brazilian electricity supply, in the long term, the generation of electricity through MSW is an important element of a regional or local strategy and therefore should not be disregarded. In that context, this study sought to study the feasibility of implementing alternative and complementary technologies for the disposal of MSW with generation of electricity, taking into account its environmental impacts and using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The results showed that, among the alternatives taken into account in this study, the generation of electric energy by combined biological and mechanical Treatment and Incineration is the most attractive in terms of environmental impacts. The generation of electricity by means of the mass burning incineration process showed to be also attractive in terms of environmental impacts. As a general conclusion of this study it was identified the existence of alternatives and opportunities for implementation of projects related to the generation of electric energy in Brazil especially by the incineration process, although there are still economic, political and social needs that must be overcome.

Contribuições para a evolução do gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos no Brasil com base na experiência Européia / Contribution to the development of municipal solid waste management in Brazil based on European experience

RESUMO: Esse trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar dados relevantes sobre o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) na Europa de forma a se estabelecer paralelos e subsidiar a discussão no Brasil. É apresentada uma contextualização da situação atual da gestão dos resíduos sólidos urbanos no Brasil, onde os efeitos da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos já se fazem sentir, sobretudo com o aumento da disposição final de RSU em aterros sanitários, predominantemente nas regiões metropolitanas. A reciclagem no país, em grande parte, ainda baseia-se na coleta informal por catadores ou na ação de organizações privadas. Na Europa, a partir da Diretiva 1999/31/EC, que estabeleceu metas para a disposição de resíduos em aterros sanitários, e da Diretiva 94/62/EC, sobre recolhimento de embalagens, a gestão de RSU se alterou profundamente. São apresentados dados das tecnologias predominantes de tratamento e disposição final de RSU e alguns mecanismos para implementação da mudança de cenário na Europa. O exemplo suíço é detalhado, mostrando como a cobrança de tarifas impulsiona as ações da população. É preciso reconhecer que o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos RSU tem que ser planejado da coleta até o destino final, utilizando e integrando diferentes tecnologias de tratamento, ​​de acordo com as características locais. É relevante para o Brasil a avaliação criteriosa das soluções disponíveis, do ponto de vista técnico e operacional, considerando fortemente a sua aplicabilidade local.

ABSTRACT: This paper aims to present relevant data on municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Europe in order to establish parallel and support the discussion in Brazil. The current situation of municipal solid waste management in Brazil is presented. It is possible to see some consequences of the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy, especially concerning the increase of MSW disposal in landfills, mostly in metropolitan areas. Recycling in the country is largely based on informal collection by waste pickers or action by private organizations. In Europe the MSW management has largely changed as consequence of the Directive 1999/31/EC, which set targets for waste disposal in landfills, and the Directive 94/62/EC, about packaging collection. This paper presents data about predominant MSW treatment and disposal technologies and some mechanisms applied to implementing the scenario changes in Europe. The Swiss example is detailed showing how the charging of fees drives people's actions. It must be recognized that the MSW management has to be planned from collection to final destination, using and integrating different treatment technologies, in accordance with local characteristics. It is relevant to Brazil a carefully evaluation, both technically and operationally, of the available solutions considering their local applicability.

Biomedical waste management: Incineration vs. environmental safety.

Public concerns about incinerator emissions, as well as the creation of federal regulations for medical waste incinerators, are causing many health care facilities to rethink their choices in medical waste treatment. As stated by Health Care Without Harm, non-incineration treatment technologies are a growing and developing field. Most medical waste is incinerated, a practice that is short-lived because of environmental considerations. The burning of solid and regulated medical waste generated by health care creates many problems. Medical waste incinerators emit toxic air pollutants and toxic ash residues that are the major source of dioxins in the environment. International Agency for Research on Cancer, an arm of WHO, acknowledged dioxins cancer causing potential and classified it as human carcinogen. Development of waste management policies, careful waste segregation and training programs, as well as attention to materials purchased, are essential in minimizing the environmental and health impacts of any technology.

Trabalho e saúde: a atividade da queima de resíduos tóxicos em fornos de cimenteiras de Cantagalo, Rio de Janeiro / Work and health: the activity of burning toxic waste in cement kilns in Cantagalo, Rio de Janeiro State

Este estudo ocupa-se de analisar as condições de trabalho e saúde a partir dos relatos dos trabalhadores envolvidos na atividade de coprocessamento de resíduos tóxicos em fornos de cimenteiras de Cantagalo (RJ). Realizamos uma investigação qualitativa baseada na utilização de roteiro semi-estruturado, na qual foram entrevistados treze indivíduos. Na análise do discurso, foi possível observar falhas no planejamento do processo de trabalho, na identificação de riscos, na prevenção de agravos, no monitoramento de impactos à saúde e ao ambiente, bem como na identificação e notificação aos órgãos competentes. A assimilação das incertezas do processo, favorecendo os interesses dos empreendedores, permitiu que recaísse sobre os trabalhadores o ônus do adoecimento, aceitável na medida em que se negam evidências clínicas. Torna-se imperioso amplo debate que envolva entes públicos e privados, a sociedade e suas representações, confrontando-se questões éticas, ambientais e de saúde aos interesses do capital, para que se estabeleçam novas diretrizes para o processo.

This study analyzes the work and health conditions through the discourse of the employees involved in the activity of toxic waste co-processing in cement kilns in Cantagalo, RJ. A qualitative approach was adopted using a semi-structured interview with 13 individuals. After analyzing the discourse, it was possible to observe relevant failures in the work process planning, in the identification of risks, in preventing diseases, in monitoring health impacts and to the environment, even their identification and notification to the competent authorities. The assimilation of the uncertainties of the process, favoring the interests of the entrepreneurs, has passed on the workers the burden of illness, rendered acceptable in that they deny clinical evidences. It is imperative to establish a broad debate involving public and private entities, the society in all its representations, confronting ethical, environmental and health issues to the interests of capital in order to set new guidelines for the process.

A coincineração de resíduos em fornos de cimento: riscos para a saúde e o meio ambiente / Co-incineration in cement kilns: health and environmental risks

O objetivo do artigo é discutir a forma como a coincineração de resíduos em fábricas de cimento vem crescendo no Brasil, bem como seus impactos sobre a saúde humana e o meio ambiente. Informações gerais sobre mercado e efeitos sobre a saúde foram obtidas através de revisão bibliográfica e alguns estudos de caso, escolhidos a partir de debate com integrantes da Rede Brasileira de Justiça Ambiental, foram construídos para ilustrar a situação no Brasil. Os estudos encontrados mostraram que, independente do nível de desenvolvimento tecnológico dos países, a saúde dos trabalhadores e das pessoas que moram próximas às fábricas de cimento vem sendo prejudicada pela poluição emitida pelas empresas de cimento, em especial por aquelas que praticam a coincineração. Além disso, no contexto brasileiro, a vulnerabilidade das instituições e populações afetadas tende a agravar este problema. Como conclusão, defende-se o aumento da capacidade institucional dos órgãos brasileiros responsáveis pelo monitoramento das atividades industriais, bem como uma rediscussão mais aprofundada dos aspectos políticos e éticos ligados ao transporte e comércio de resíduos industriais.

In this article we discuss the development of hazardous waste co-incineration in cement kilns in Brazil as well as its impacts on health and the environment. Information was gathered through an extensive review on social and environmental impacts of co-incineration, and case studies, chosen after discussion with social movement representatives concerned with the co-incineration issue and related to the Brazilian Network on Environmental Justice, are described to illustrate the reality of co-incineration in Brazil. Studies showed that workers and community health suffers negative impacts from such practices in high-, middle- and low-income countries. In the Brazilian context, the institutional and social vulnerability intensifies these problems. To conclude, we argue for the necessity of increasing the institutional capacity of health and environmental agencies in Brazil, through staff training and better infra-structure. Additionally, we also propose a return of the debate about political and ethical aspects of industrial waste trade.