scholarly journals Metal exposure of workers during recycling of electronic waste: a cross-sectional study in sheltered workshops in Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Gerding ◽  
Claudia Peters ◽  
Wolfgang Wegscheider ◽  
Johanna Stranzinger ◽  
Frederik Lessmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Toxic Metals ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Sheltered Workshops

Abstract Objectives In Germany, the initial step of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling frequently takes place in sheltered workshops for physically and mentally handicapped workers (Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen (WfbM), in german language). E-waste recycling involves a potential risk of exposure to toxic metals. Therefore, we assessed the occupational exposure of recycling workers to toxic metals to identify potential health risks and insufficient protective measures. Methods We used a combined air- and bio-monitoring approach to determine exposure of recycling workers to toxic metals. Air and urine samples were collected in five sheltered workshops in Germany and were analysed for their content of aluminium, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, mercury and nickel. Results were compared to German and international occupational limit values and to metal exposures of workers in conventional e-waste recycling firms. Results Exposure of recycling workers in five German sheltered workshops to the studied metals and their compounds was below German and international occupational limit values across all facilities studied considering both air and urine samples. Workers in the present study were not exposed to higher amounts of toxic metals than workers in conventional e-waste recycling firms. Conclusion This is the first study on toxic metal exposure of recycling workers in sheltered workshops. The results of this study revealed a low occupational exposure of e-waste recycling workers to toxic metals in this type of enterprises. Current work methods and safety measures provide the workers with adequate protection.

Informal processing of electronic waste at Agbogbloshie, Ghana: workers’ knowledge about associated health hazards and alternative livelihoods

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 90-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily A. Yu ◽  
Matthew Akormedi ◽  
Emmanuel Asampong ◽  
Christian G. Meyer ◽  
Julius N. Fobil
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Physical Injuries ◽  
Negative Role ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the electronic waste workers’ knowledge about the potential health hazards associated with their work as well as the livelihood alternatives that they would prefer if they were given the opportunity. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted to gather empirical information on e-waste workers’ knowledge about the potential hazards associated with their work and the livelihood alternatives to e-waste recycling with a sample consisting of twenty all-male electronic waste workers at the Agbogbloshie scrap metal yard in Accra, Ghana. Results: Electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie were found to be exposed to a variety of injuries and illnesses. The workers’ knowledge of the association between their health status and their work was generally poor. Apart from the physical injuries, they did not believe their work played any negative role in their health conditions. They preferred occupations such as farming or professional driving located in the northern region of Ghana to be closer to their families. Conclusions: The study concludes that the low knowledge level of the workers on the hazards that are associated with their work has implications for them accepting technologies to protect them and the natural environment from contamination. It is therefore imperative for any intervention to consider the current low level of knowledge and actively educate the workers to raise their awareness level, taking into account the provision of opportunities for workers to acquire applicable skills for future employment in other fields.

scholarly journals Health Risks of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Metals at Informal Electronic Waste Recycling Sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chimere Ohajinwa ◽  
Peter van Bodegom ◽  
Oladele Osibanjo ◽  
Qing Xie ◽  
Jingwen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risks ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
The United States ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dermal Contact ◽  
Adverse Health

Concerns about the adverse public health consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling are increasing. This study adopted a cross-sectional study design to gain insights into health risks (cancer and non-cancer risks) associated with exposure to e-waste chemicals among informal e-waste workers via three main routes: Dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The e-waste chemicals (PBDE and metals) were measured in the dust and top soils at e-waste sites (burning, dismantling, and repair sites). Adverse health risks were calculated using the EPA model developed by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States. The concentrations of the e-waste chemicals and the health risks at the e-waste sites increased as the intensity of the e-waste recycling activities increased: control sites < repair sites < dismantling sites < burning sites. Dermal contact was the main route of exposure while exposure via inhalation was negligible for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Cumulative health risks via all routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact) exceeded the acceptable limits of both non-cancer effects and cancer risk at all e-waste sites. This indicates that overall the e-waste workers are at the risk of adverse health effects. Therefore, the importance of occupational safety programs and management regulations for e-waste workers cannot be over emphasised.

scholarly journals Comparison of ergonomic risk factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dismantler and burners of electronic waste in Agbogbloshie, Accra Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 715-719
Author(s):  
Augustine A. Acquah ◽  
Clive D’Souza ◽  
Bernard J. Martin ◽  
John Arko-Mensah ◽  
Niladri Basu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Trunk Flexion ◽  
Musculoskeletal Discomfort ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Rudimentary methods for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling employed in developing countries are a source of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). A summarized comparison of WRMSDs and preliminary exposure assessment among e-waste dismantlers (D) and burners (B) in Agbogbloshie, Ghana is presented. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate WRMSDs and associated risk factors using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and a newly developed ergonomic assessment tool. Results indicated higher WRMSDs prevalence in the lower back (68% D vs. 52% B; p = 0.172), shoulder (41% D vs. 29% B; p = 0.279) and upper arm (33% D vs 5% B; p = 0.010). Moderate to severe trunk flexion, high force exertion, repetition and vibration were prevalent risk factors among workers and were significantly higher in dismantlers than burners ( p ≤ 0.001). Detailed ergonomic studies investigating the relationship between physical exposures and WRMSDs are needed to provide a deeper understanding of WRMSD causation in e-waste workers and more particularly in unstructured, unregulated work.

Status of metals in serum and urine samples of chronic kidney disease patients in a rural area of Bangladesh: an observational study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tasrina Rabia Choudhury ◽  
Sk. Zubaer Zaman ◽  
Tanzina Iveen Chowdhury ◽  
Bilkis Ara Begum ◽  
Md. Anwarul Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Heavy Metal Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Association ◽  
The Status ◽  
Large Scale Epidemiological Study

Abstract The traditional causes of Chronic Kidney Damage (CKD) are Diabetes and Hypertension. However, recent studies reported the possible relations between metal exposure and CKD. This study aims to explore the status of metals in CKD patients compared to their healthy counterparts at Narayanganj, Bangladesh, through a cross-sectional study. In this study, 50 volunteers have involved; 30 CKD patients and 20 healthy controls. Five metals were measured from serum (Cu and Zn) and urine (Pb, Cd, and Cr) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Varian AA240 FS). Compared to the controls and the CKD patients were exhibited a significantly higher level of Pb and Cr in their urine samples. As expected, it was observed that the cases had higher levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr in their urine. This signifies a potential association between heavy metal exposure and CKD. The serum levels of Cu were much higher than expected for CKD patients than controls, and the Zn values were in accordance with established literature. However, the level of Zn in blood was significantly lower in the CKD group compared to the control. This data suggests that the Cu imbalance in the serum of the CKD subjects might have been related to a myriad of reasons, one of which being exposed to large concentrations of the nephrotoxic metals such as Pb and Cr in this study. Large scale epidemiological study is warranted in Bangladesh to examine environmental health in relation to nephrology.

scholarly journals Metal Exposures, Noise Exposures and Audiometry from e-Waste Workers in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9639
Author(s):  
Krystin Carlson ◽  
Niladri Basu ◽  
Julius Fobil ◽  
Richard Neitzel
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Thresholds

Metals, such as lead, may be ototoxic, but this property is not well understood, especially in conjunction with noise. This cross-sectional study investigated hearing, noise, and metal biomarkers in informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Accra, Ghana. Workers (N = 58) participated in audiometric testing, a survey, blood collection, and personal noise dosimetry. Sixty percent of participants displayed audiometric notches indicative of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Most workers (86%) reported high noise while working. Daily average noise levels were in the range 74.4–90.0 dBA. Linear regression models indicated participants who lived at Agbogbloshie Market for longer periods were significantly associated with worse hearing thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz. The models did not identify blood levels of lead, mercury, or cadmium as significant predictors of worse hearing thresholds or larger noise notches, but increased levels of selenium were significantly associated with better hearing at 6 kHz. Models of thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz were improved by including an interaction term between the maximum noise exposure and the level of zinc in whole blood, suggesting that zinc may protect hearing at lower noise levels, but not at higher levels. Further study of the relationships between elements, noise, and NIHL is needed.

scholarly journals Health Assessment of Electronic Waste Workers in Chile: Participant Characterization

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla Yohannessen ◽  
Daniela Pinto-Galleguillos ◽  
Denisse Parra-Giordano ◽  
Amaranta Agost ◽  
Macarena Valdés ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Small Magnitude ◽  
Comprehensive Health

Little research has been done to evaluate the occupational health of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Latin America. The objective of this study was to complete comprehensive health evaluations on e-waste recycling workers in Chile and to compare those that work in informal (i.e., independent) to those that work in formal (i.e., established company) settings. A cross-sectional study in the summer of 2017 recruited 78 informal recycling workers from two cities and 15 formal e-waste recycling workers from a single recycling facility to assess exposures and health outcomes. Participants completed a health questionnaire and underwent a full health assessment. Herein, only health questionnaire data are reported. Participants were primarily male, middle-aged, married with children, and had worked in e-waste recycling for an average of 12 years. Participants generally reported good health status, and their prevalence of chronic diseases was comparable to national rates. Workers frequently reported exposures to several occupational stressors, including noise and insufficient income, as well as other mental health stressors. Occupational injuries were commonly reported and use of safety equipment was low. Only a few significant differences, generally of a rather small magnitude, were found between informal and formal workers. In conclusion, from survey data, we did not identify major risks to health among e-waste workers, and only minor differences between workers in informal and formal settings.

scholarly journals A Review of Biomarkers Used for Assessing Human Exposure to Metals from E-Waste

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aubrey L. Arain ◽  
Richard L. Neitzel
Keyword(s):  
Reference Group ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Reporting Standard ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
Occupationally Exposed ◽  
Multiple Biomarkers ◽  
Electronic Waste Recycling

Electronic waste recycling presents workers and communities with a potential for exposures to dangerous chemicals, including metals. This review examines studies that report on blood, hair, and urine biomarkers of communities and workers exposed to metals from e-waste. Our results from the evaluation of 19 publications found that there are consistently elevated levels of lead found in occupationally and non-occupationally exposed populations, in both the formal and the informal e-waste recycling sectors. Various other metals were found to be elevated in different exposure groups assessed using various types of biomarkers, but with less consistency than found in lead. Antimony and cadmium generally showed higher concentrations in exposed groups compared to reference group(s). Mercury and arsenic did not show a trend among exposure groups due to the dietary and environmental considerations. Observed variations in trends amongst exposure groups within studies using multiple biomarkers highlights the need to carefully select appropriate biomarkers. Our study concludes that there is a need for more rigorous research that moves past cross-sectional study designs, involves more thoughtful and methodical selection of biomarkers, and a systematic reporting standard for exposure studies to ensure that results can be compared across studies.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Urine of Metal Carpentry Workers Can Be Diagnostic for Occupational Exposure to Low Level of Welding Fumes from Associated Metals

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3167
Author(s):  
Flavia Buonaurio ◽  
Maria Luisa Astolfi ◽  
Daniela Pigini ◽  
Giovanna Tranfo ◽  
Silvia Canepari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Oxidation Products ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Welding Fumes ◽  
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
The Impact

Urinary concentrations of 16 different exposure biomarkers to metals were determined at the beginning and at the end of a working shift on a group of workers in the metal carpentry industry. Five different oxidative stress biomarkers were also measured, such as the oxidation products of RNA and DNA metabolized and excreted in the urine. The results of workers exposed to metals were compared to those of a control group. The metal concentrations found in these workers were well below the occupational exposure limit values and exceeded the mean concentrations of the same metals in the urine of the control group by a factor of four at maximum. Barium (Ba), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and strontium (Sr) were correlated with the RNA oxidative stress biomarker, 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo), which was found able to discriminate exposed workers from controls with a high level of specificity and sensitivity. The power of this early diagnostic technique was assessed by means of the ROC curve. Ba, rubidium (Rb), Sr, tellurium (Te), and vanadium (V) were correlated with the level of the protein oxidation biomarker 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NO2Tyr), and Ba, beryllium (Be), copper (Cu), and Rb with 5-methylcytidine (5-MeCyt), an epigenetic marker of RNA damage. These effect biomarkers can help in identifying those workers that can be defined as “occupationally exposed” even at low exposure levels, and they can provide information about the impact that such doses have on their health.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in PM2.5 associated with various source sectors in southern China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
qiqi li ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
yuan zeng ◽  
yun fan ◽  
Shejun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Brominated Flame Retardants ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Recycling Facilities

The present study investigated legacy and novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in atmospheric PM2.5 associated with various urban source sectors in a city and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling facilities in...

Repeated Occupational Exposure to Low-level Blast in the Canadian Armed Forces: Effects on Hearing, Balance, and Ataxia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Nakashima ◽  
Oshin Vartanian ◽  
Shawn G Rhind ◽  
Kristen King ◽  
Catherine Tenn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Blast Overpressure ◽  
Blast Exposure

ABSTRACT Introduction Recently, there has been increasing concern about the adverse health effects of long-term occupational exposure to low-level blast in military personnel. Occupational blast exposure occurs routinely in garrison through use of armaments and controlled blast detonations. In the current study, we focused on a population of breaching instructors and range staff. Breaching is a tactical technique that is used to gain entry into closed spaces, often through the use of explosives. Materials and Methods Initial measurements of blast overpressure collected during breaching courses found that up to 10% of the blasts for range staff and up to 32% of the blasts for instructors exceeded the recommended 3 psi exposure limit. Using a cross-sectional design, we used tests of balance, ataxia, and hearing to compare a sample of breachers (n = 19) to age-and sex-matched military controls (n = 19). Results There were no significant differences between the two groups on the balance and ataxia tests, although the average scores of both groups were lower than would be expected in a normative population. The prevalence of hearing loss was low in the breacher group (4 of 19), and hearing thresholds were not significantly different from the controls. However, the prevalence of self-reported tinnitus was significantly higher in the breacher group (12 of 19) compared with the controls (4 of 19), and all breachers who were identified as having hearing loss also reported tinnitus. Conclusions Our results suggest that basic tests of balance, ataxia, and hearing on their own were not sensitive to the effects of long-term occupational exposure to low-level blast. Some of the blast exposure levels exceeded limits, and there was a significant association of exposure with tinnitus. Future studies should supplement with additional information including exposure history and functional hearing assessments. These findings should be considered in the design of future acute and longitudinal studies of low-level blast exposure.

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