RISKS AND DAMAGE TO HEALTH BY EXPOSURE TO WASTEWATER AND TREATED DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF BRICKS IN LADRILLEROS ARTISANS IN MEXICO

The purpose of this research was to determine the risks faced by workers in the production of handmade bricks and damage to their health, with the use of treated sewage and in the preparation of the clay used as raw materials in this activity. Likewise have the foundations for the development and implementation of proposals aimed at the prevention and mitigation of harm to the health of brick kiln workers.

The methodology used in this study was through a descriptive observational diagnostic. On the other hand it was necessary to develop an instrument to collect socio demographic and health data to be used for personal interviews with the workers.

The results showed a number of problems directly related to exposure to dust from soil and clay used as raw material. We also found that the use of wastewater and treated water to the mass of clay can cause damage to health as: Tinea pedis, fungal infections in groin, and other body parts, onychomycosis, and conjunctivitis. Another health problem they faced was the constant appearance of gastrointestinal infections such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, amoebiasis and various problems caused by intestinal parasites. Besides the lack of personal hygiene and lack of basic water and sewer, plus the use of wastewater in their work results in a high vulnerability to the health of this group of workers. Also found respiratory diseases caused by dust particles of clay and soil workplace as well as suspended particulates emissions from brick kilns.

Finally one can establish that artisans are exposed to risks arising from physical and chemical characteristics of soil and clays used as raw material for the manufacture of brick, as well as exposure to all types of pathogens from water and wastewater residuals drain used for preparing the mixture that is subsequently converted to brick.