Biomonitoring of organic compounds in Turin waste-to-energy plant workers, Italy.

Abstract

Background: Third-generation waste-to-energy (WTE) plants represent a technological advancement introduced in recent years for the treatment of municipal solid waste. Although Best Available Technologies (BAT) are employed, potential health effects on both residents and workers remain a public health concern and warrant continuous monitoring. The Turin WTE came into operation in 2013 and a human biomarker measurement (HBM) study was set up.

Aims: To assess the potential occupational exposure to persistent organic pollutants of a cohort of workers at the WTE plant using a longitudinal approach.

Methods: Serum concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured at baseline (T0), before plant start-up and after 3 years of operation (T2) in 25 workers permanently employed at the facility. In addition, a cross-sectional sample of 13 subcontractor personnel potentially exposed to ash was included (Tx). Tests were performed for paired temporal comparisons and intergroup analyses (T2 versus Tx).

Results: Considering permanent workers, serum concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs after 3 years of activity (T2) were not significantly higher than baseline levels (T0), with median values always below occupational reference limits. The Tx group showed slightly elevated concentrations of Σ6NDL-PCBs and Σ30NDL-PCBs compared to the T2 group, although these differences were not statistically significant. The increase is likely attributable to specific maintenance tasks involving direct contact with ash or residual materials.

Conclusions: A very low level of occupational exposure to organic compounds was found in this context.