Exposure to Pollutants and Health of Women Waste Pickers at Dandora Dumpsite in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The paper sought to assess the effect of exposure to pollutants on health of women waste pickers at Dandora Dumpsite. Illegal and indiscriminate dumping of waste in urban areas has posed a health risk to the surrounding populations. Whereas everyone who works or lives near dumpsites could potentially be exposed to harmful substances, women, in particular, are at risk of developing reproductive problems due to exposure to harmful substances such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. The study employed a cross-sectional study design. The specific objectives of the study were; to establish the health status of women waste pickers working at Dandora dumpsite; to determine levels of heavy metal and POPs exposure at the Dandora dumpsite; to determine the influence of the work environment on the health status of women waste pickers; to establish current control practices and mitigation measures in place aimed at improving the health status of women waste pickers. Data was collected using an interview schedule, focus group discussion and collection of soil and water samples. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 23 while qualitative data were analysed using NVivo software. The study findings revealed that the dumpsite was the main source of income for 95.6% of the women waste pickers who survived mostly by scavenging for waste at the dumpsite that they sold to the market. 23% of women waste pickers also scavenged for food at the dumpsite. The study further showed that 90.8% of the women waste pickers had been ill in the previous 6 months and the majority (90.8%) believed this was related to the nature of work that they did at the site. In addition, about (2%) n= 7 women reported as having a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth while working at the dumpsite. The study recommends the provision of PPEs for the dumpsite workers and the development of a better waste management system for Nairobi City County. There is a need for health promotion interventions on safe practices among women waste pickers so as to mitigate harmful health effects.