Abstract:
In Haiti, manual pit emptiers, known as bayakous, face significant health risks. They work by descending naked into latrine pits, exposing themselves to pathogens and contributing to environmental contamination. This study employs the quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) method to evaluate the microbial risks associated with this practice, considering nine prevalent pathogens in Haiti. Three ingestion scenarios were developed: hand-to-mouth contact, ingestion while immersed in excreta, and a combination of both. A sensitivity analysis assessed the impact of input data on study outcomes. The results indicate a high probability of infection and illness during pit emptying operations annually for all scenarios and pathogens. Recommendations include adopting personal protective equipment (PPE) and using a manual Gulper waste pump to eliminate the need to descend directly into the pits, thereby reducing the risk of injury from sharp objects. The study proposes the establishment of intermediate disposal points approximately 5 km from collection sites to deter illegal dumping. National regulations and professionalization of the bayakou profession are suggested, along with awareness campaigns to promote PPE and Gulper pump usage. Addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding the health of bayakou and public health in Haiti.
摘要:
在海地,手动清空坑,被称为bayakous,面临重大健康风险。他们通过裸体进入厕所坑来工作,暴露于病原体并导致环境污染。本研究采用定量微生物风险评估(QMRA)方法来评估与此实践相关的微生物风险,考虑到海地的九种流行病原体。开发了三种摄入方案:手口接触,在浸入排泄物中时摄入,以及两者的结合。敏感性分析评估了输入数据对研究结果的影响。结果表明,对于所有情况和病原体,每年在坑排空操作期间发生感染和疾病的可能性很高。建议包括采用个人防护设备(PPE)和使用手动Gulper废物泵,以消除直接下降到矿井中的需要,从而降低了尖锐物体伤害的风险。该研究建议在距收集地点约5公里的地方建立中间处置点,以阻止非法倾倒。建议国家法规和巴雅口职业专业化,以及宣传活动,以促进PPE和Gulper泵的使用。解决这些问题对于维护bayakou的健康和海地的公共卫生至关重要。