Chemical and Physical Exposures Among Green and Non-Green Collar Workers in the United States

Background/Purpose: Green collar workers are individuals employed in “green” businesses whose services and work products directly improve environmental quality and sustainability. Despite the growth of green collar jobs supported by the U.S. Green Jobs Act of 2007, little is known about the inhalable and other chemical occupational exposures of this newly emerging workforce. In the present study, we use nationally representative data to estimate and compare the prevalence of select physical and chemical exposures in Green versus non-Green U.S. workers.

Methods:

Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey Occupational Health Supplement was linked to the Occupational Information Network Database (O*NET) to classify green and non-green collar workers. Estimates for inhalable (i.e., vapors, gas, dust, fumes; outdoor work; and environmental tobacco smoke) and other chemical occupational exposures were adjusted for the complex survey design and stratified by socio-demographic characteristics (e.g. gender, race, ethnicity, age group, and geographic region). 

Results/Outcomes:

In 2010, 26% of Green collar workers reported regular exposure to vapors, gas, dust, or fumes in the workplace twice a week or more compared to 22% of non-Green workers. Green collar workers were the least exposed to other chemicals (14%) but slightly greater exposed to outdoor work (25%) when compared to non-Green workers (20% and 22%, respectively). Green and non-Green collar workers were equally exposed to tobacco smoke (13%).

Conclusions:

Green collar workers report higher exposure to vapors, gas, dust or fumes and outdoor work and less to chemicals than non-green collar workers. More specific measures are needed and warrant further research.