ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Biomedical waste is a hazardous waste material that is generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings. Hence, it needs special attention and appropriate management before disposal. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the biomedical solid waste management system in Jimma Medical Center, Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the biomedical solid waste management system from May 12 to 25, 2020. The quantity of biomedical solid waste generated was measured by using a calibrated weight balance. An observational checklist and a semi-structured interview guide were used to assess the current practice of biomedical solid waste management. In addition, during combustion, the concentration of pollutants emitted from the incinerator was measured at a different distance from the source. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean waste generation rates among wards and the contribution of incinerator emissions at different distances was analyzed by regression. RESULT: The average daily biomedical waste generation rate was determined to be 0.92kg/bed/day and/or 0.75kg/patient/day. There was limited segregation of biomedical waste by type at the point of generation. Mixed biomedical waste was collected and transported using substandard open plastic bins. Moreover, the incinerator was operated at a low temperature and high peak average concentrations of PM2.5 (21.7-999.9 µg/m3) and PM10 (31-1999.9 µg/m3), total VOC (736-4754mg/m3), NO2 (0.00-600 µg/m3) and SO2 (0.00-300 µg/m3) were recorded at different distances downwind from the incinerator. CONCLUSION: The average biomedical waste generation rate was above the threshold value set by the World Health Organization in low-income countries. Its management was also limited. The high concentrations of pollutants released from the incinerator affect the nearby air quality and hence interferes with the health of the local community.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cosmetic products emits Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC) and Particulate Matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometers (PM10) of different sizes and characteristics with adverse health effects. Despite the increasing need for cosmetic products, related pollutants level of concentration from beauty salon is not well understood in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess indoor air pollutant concentrations in the beauty salon and self-reported health problems among the salon workers in Jimma town. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used on 87 beauty salons from May 13-24, 2019. The concentrations of PM10, TVOCs, CO2, room temperature, and relative humidity were measured and triangulated with the survey data collected through measurements and questionnaires. A statistical software package, SPSS v.21, was used to analyze the data. A binary logistic regression was used to analyze categorical data and linear regressions to predict pollutants level and associated health outcomes. RESULTS: The results show that 93.1% of the respondents are females, and 85% were below 30 years old. More than 60% of the respondents were married individuals. 56.3% and 44.8% of the workers work over 10 hours per day and work the whole week. 34.6% of the workers reported as worked during pregnancy. About 70% of the workers know the harmful effects of cosmetics, benefits of ventilation, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use, but only 19.4% use face masks. The majority (88.5%) reported health problems after starting work in the beauty salon. The mean volume of the beauty salon was 36.3 m3, with a mean PM10 concentration of 0.465 mg/m3 and a mean TVOC concentration of 1034.2 µg/m3. These air pollutants have shown a statistically significant association with self-reported health problems. Hence, urgent intervention with subsequent continuous awareness creation is needed to reduce the health consequences of a beauty salon's indoor air pollutants.
