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Residents of Maricopa County, Arizona were surveyed using a computerized survey instrument to assess purchases of household hazardous materials (HHM), disposal practices for household hazardous waste (HHW), attitudes regarding the environmental and health effects of HM and preferred disposal and funding methods. The study results indicate that the residents of Maricopa County are purchasing large quantities of HHM and may be improperly disposing of pesticides, cleaners, paint products, antifreeze and batteries. The majority of the residents had heard of the term HHW and thought that HHW could cause pollution or health problems. Residents prefer a permanent collection site less than five miles away that is funded by a tax on products, at the time of sale, as a disposal option. The results from Maricopa County, a county without a permanent collection facility, were compared to survey and actual results from Pima County, Arizona which has had collection events since 1986 and a permanent facility since 1990. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational disease and injuries are the 8th leading cause of death in the United States. Low-wage and minority workers are more likely to work in hazardous industries and are thus at greater risk. Within the small business sector, in particular, the health of low-wage and minority workers is threatened by a multitude of complex and interrelated factors that increase their risk for injuries, death, and even chronic disease. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified these concerns, as many low-wage and minority workers are essential workers, and many small businesses are reopening with little to no guidance. The article describes work-related health risks and reviews current research on occupational and social ecological approaches to improving the health of minority and low-wage workers primarily employed by small businesses. We propose a conceptual framework that integrates the social ecological model with the hierarchy of controls to address work-related health among low-wage and minority workers specifically in the small business sector. Community-based strategies are recommended to engage small business owners and workers in efforts to address their immediate needs, while building towards sustainable policy change over time. These strategies are of particular importance as small businesses reopen in the ongoing pandemic.