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Knowledge, behaviour and microbial load of workers handling dental solid waste in a public health service in Brazil

Healthcare wastes are those generated inside healthcare services, including dental clinics. Workers coming into close proximity to hazardous healthcare waste are potentially at risk. In an attempt to assess the knowledge and attitudes of workers dealing with infectious waste, a questionnaire was administered. The biological risk was investigated by evaluating the microbial load and screening some clinically relevant micro-organisms in the nasal mucosa, hands and coats of these workers. The results showed that 66.6% of the study population had incomplete primary education. Only two workers have had their blood tested to confirm anti-HBs levels. Microbial load evaluation on hand surfaces of morning workers showed statistically significant lower microbial loads after the workday when compared with the beginning of the work period. It is important to highlight that some clinically relevant bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from worker’s hands. This study revealed the need for more training programmes regarding awareness of safe waste disposal protocols and also the necessity of discussing vaccination and its implications. Data regarding microbial loads of the worker’s hands, mostly at the beginning of the workday when handwashing is recommended worldwide, emphasise that hygiene measures should receive more attention during training exercises.