This [21] is also supported by Poulsen et al. [24], who reported
adverse health effects among workers who separated domestic
waste, e.g., the combustible fraction of waste (composed
of paper, cardboard, and plastics), and found that workers were
at increased risk of gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as irritation of the eyes and skin. However, the present study differs
from Kurttio et al. [25], who studied mercury concentrations
in stack emissions and median hair mercury concentrations.
Elevated, but not statistically significant, levels of mercury and
thioe thers (compound analogous to ether, in which the oxygen
has been replaced by sulfur) were found in the hair of residents
in the vicinity of an incinerator in Finland. However, mercury
exposure decreased as distance from the plant increased.