O trabalho de catadores de resíduos potencialmente recicláveis em Caxias do Sul : impactos na saúde e na qualidade ambiental

Abstract

The indiscriminate use of natural resources and the way they are produced arguably impact the lives of individuals and the environment. One of the impacts caused by social life is the generation of solid waste, a result from both production processes and post consume. The work executed by collectors allows these materials to return to the productive cycle as raw materials, instead of being discarded in a landfill. These professionals live a life of contrasts: at the same time they carry out a service both economically and environmentally fundamental, they fulfill their duties among inadequate work conditions. The complexity of this situation claims for an interdisciplinary approach. An expanded view of health and environmental health are important elements to the full comprehension of the risks associated to labor activities and the possible preventive measures to be taken in order to assure healthy work conditions to these professionals. Therefore, the theme of this paper are the potentially recyclable solid wastes and environmental health, and it takes as a guideline the following question: which kinds of associations can be made between the tasks fulfilled by solid waste collectors in the city of Caxias do Sul, their health and the environment? In order to answer it, this research takes on a documentary character. The starting points are the reports produced to the research entitled “Labor Activity of Solid Waste Collectors and Recyclers: Impact on Life and Environmental Quality”, as well as the extension project entitled “Capacitation and support for the activities of the informal collectors of the city of Caxias do Sul”. Overall, the results allow the researcher to affirm that because of the relevance of these professionals’ work to the trinity of sustainability, they deserve a special attention from the public policies and from other health professionals that oversee this specific population. The main impacts of these workers activities in health and the environment are directly linked to their work conditions and the particulars of the waste that they handle. It was observed: waste containing organic substances; piercing and sharp materials; hazardous materials and/or that are subject to reverse logistics; and health care waste (piercing, infectious and chemicals). Furthermore: the presence of vectors; the lack of use and use of PPE of considered “poor quality”; places with inadequate lighting; broken windows; places lacking walls or which walls present fissures; roofs with leak issues or that offer risks of collapsing; and places surrounded by rubbish. The risks to which these workers are exposed in their daily lives stem from a lack of primary care attention. A focus on primary care attention can contribute to a reduction of these risks, especially with the implementation of workshops presenting well-organized strategies for these collectors to carry out their daily tasks. Particularly important, strategies aiming to develop these collectors communication to each other, and an exchange of experiences, should be priorities.