September 16th 2009
Afsset considers that the risk of A(H1N1) 2009 virus transmission to water treatment workers by waste water is negligible
Afsset considers that the risk of the virus transmission to water treatment workers (sewage treatment plants, (STPs)) by waste water is unlikely, even negligible. Although the presence of the virus is not totally improbable in the excreta of certain infected patients, the contaminating power of the waste water would nevertheless be very weak. It can be regarded as negligible in comparison with the risk from classic inter-human contamination (direct airborne route, touch etc.).
Consequently, Afsset recommends rigorously applying usual protection and hygiene measures for workers likely to come into contact with waste water, without adding new ones. These workers indeed already comply with protection and hygiene measures appropriate to a working environment full of microorganisms.
In particular, Afsset considers that there is no benefit in recommending the wearing of a FFP2 mask, which could delay the use of the necessary protection mask in the case of detection of toxic gas in the sewers.
This new expert appraisal from Afsset has been carried out urgently, at the request of the French ministries of ecology, health and work for this solicited request, launched on 9 June 2009. Afsset has carried out its work with the aim of providing an operational response relating to the protection of staff involved in STPs, in the event of exposure to A(H1N1) 2009 Influenza virus.
This work completes earlier work from Afsset on flu viruses concerning the risks of transmission in aquatic environments (January 2007 and March 2009) and by ventilation systems in buildings (June 2009).
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