An epidemiological investigation of health risks related to solid waste salvage and recycling in an Egyptian community.

This is the first report of an epidemiological cross-sectional study of solid waste scavengers, called Zabaline, in Egypt. The Zabaline communities provide an important solid waste collection service throughout Egypt's urban sector. Their economic viability depends entirely on salvaging solid waste for recycling. Intestinal parasites were common among the Zabaline examined; 48% were found with one or more protozoan or helminth infections. Either Schistosoma haematobium or S. mansoni or both infections were found in 19% of the sample although there was an apparent lack of a local transmission focus. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequently seen parasite (26.0%) and Entamoeba histolytica was seen infrequently (1.6%). Physical hazards of sorting solid waste was assessed and general illness occurring during the previous month recorded. Estimates of infant mortality showed elevated measures (IMR = 205/1000). The results indicate a need for the improvement of environmental conditions and health care in the Zabaline community and suggest that other similar scavenger groups may be at risk as well.