Do wastewater and biosolids workers have a higher rate of potential exposure to pathogens than the general public?
A common characteristic of untreated wastewater is its high concentration of microorganisms. Biological secondary treatment followed by disinfection is an important way to treat wastewater because it significantly reduces microorganisms. The disinfection process that follows then kills many pathogens before the cleaned water is discharged to the receiving streams. Because of their daily exposure and contact with biological materials, wastewater personnel may have a higher incidence of potential exposure to pathogens than the general public. For most workers, however, the risk of developing an occupational illness is significantly reduced or eliminated when standard safety and personal hygiene procedures are followed.
