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 Self reported practice of e-waste disposal and awareness about its health hazards among people at various levels in selected urban slums of Bangalore: a cross sectional study

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 2146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanmugapriya Duraisamy ◽  
Ramakrishna Reddy Narayanappa ◽  
Ranganath Timmanahalli Sobagiah
Keyword(s):  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
Waste Segregation ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Proper Disposal

Background: With advent of advancement in technologies and change in people’s life style, the amount of E-waste (electronic waste) generated is increasing drastically every year, Mismanagement of these E-waste leads to diminishing natural resources, causing irreparable damage to the environment and health of the people. When it comes to the reduction, the onus is on both the consumer and the producer. Proper awareness on the health hazards and disposal practice of E waste plays a crucial role in curbing this problem. The objectives of the study were to assess the E-waste segregation and disposal practice at various levels and to assess the knowledge about Proper disposal and health hazards of E-waste. Methods: A community based crossed sectional study was conducted among 120 randomly selected individuals (distribution, consumer and waste collection level) for a period of three months in the urban field practice area of Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute. Data regarding their knowledge and practice on E-waste disposal and its hazards has been collected using semi structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 23.0. Results: Knowledge about disposal was found to be 20%, 15% and 5% respectively at distribution, consumer and waste collector levels. Only around 6% had practiced proper waste segregation. Knowledge pertaining to health hazards were found to be negligible. Conclusions: With the increased burden the knowledge and practice were found to be highly inadequate. And it is a high time to intervene at the earliest by creating proper awareness and providing the requisite for proper disposal of E waste.  

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.

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 Health Hazards and Preventive Measures of Farm Women

AAOHN Journal ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 307-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Juve' Meeker ◽  
Ann Carruth ◽  
Catherine B. Holland
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Farm Women ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Farm Work ◽  
Prevention Methods

Currently, an increasing number of farms are family owned and women are directly involved in the farming operations as an independent manager or partner. Women play an important role in farm management by marketing farm products, purchasing materials, and financial planning. Because of this involvement, women can be exposed to potential health hazards that can result in chronic illness, debilitation, or death. This study explored and described health hazards affecting farm women in southeast Louisiana, preventive measures used by farm women, and their consistency in using protective equipment with varying levels of time commitment toward farm operations. This cross sectional study included women older than 18 whose family participated in farming operations. A stratified, random sample design with parishes comprising the strata and simple random selection without replacement within each stratum was used to select family addresses. A total of 519 women who met the criteria completed a structured 30 minute telephone interview conducted using The Louisiana Farm Health and Injury Survey instrument. Information elicited included farm work characteristics, prevention practices, and demographics. Results showed that women working 1 to 20 hours per week were less likely to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) than women working more than 20 hours per week. This included wearing seat belts on tractors; using hearing, eye, or breathing protection; and wearing gloves or boots. No differences were found between groups for use of skin protection, hair holders, or helmets on all terrain vehicles (ATVs). The researchers concluded that if nursing interventions such as teaching and counseling related to prevention methods could be provided, the incidence of acute and chronic illnesses and traumatic injury would decline.

scholarly journals Assessment of Knowledge toward Scabies, its Transmission and Prevention among Syrian Refugees in North of Jordan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Seetan ◽  
Yasser Rashdan ◽  
Adel Alsharei ◽  
Sharaf Al Bashir ◽  
Abdallah Almadani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Refugee Camps ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Abstract Background: Scabies is one of the prevalent dermatological conditions, accounting for a substantial proportion of skin diseases in developing countries. It represents a significant health challenge when an outbreak appears in homecare and refugee camps as it may lead to enormous morbidity and high treatment costs. Because scabies can be easily prevented through education, the purpose of this study was to assess the level of scabies knowledge among Syrian refugees in Jordan's northern region. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian refugees who attend a primary health center in northern Jordan, Ramtha from March 2021 to April 2021. The targeted population was adult Syrian refugees, above the age of 18. Two thousand participants were included in this study using simple random selection. The study questionnaire included questions about socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge questions such as: ever hearing about scabies, causes of scabies, signs and symptoms of scabies and its way of transmission. The data was analyzed using (SPSS) version 25. Results: Females with a mean age of 37.9 years old comprised the majority of the participants. The majority of the participants was married and had intermediate levels of education. The level of knowledge about scabies was poor among the majority of the respondents (N=1259); 321 respondents had moderate knowledge, while only 650 had good knowledge. A statistically significant association was found between knowledge score and all demographic characteristics, including gender, marital status, income and educational level.Conclusion: The general knowledge about Scabies among Syrian refugees is relatively low, with 1259 out of 2000 participants having a poor knowledge score. Health education for refugees is needed to improve their knowledge and help implement prevention programs.

Assessment of knowledge about oral cancer: study with students of public education

RSBO ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabete Rabaldo Bottan ◽  
Iara Fiorentin Comunello ◽  
Constanza Marín ◽  
Eduardo Mazzetti Subtil
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
First Year ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Introduction and Objective: To evaluate the level of knowledge about oral cancer of students attending public school in one city of Santa Catarina (Brasil). Material and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, using primary data collection. Students of last year of elementary school and first year of high school, enrolled in public schools in the city of Itajaí (SC), in 2012, were the target population. The non-probability sample was obtained by convenience. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire structured with 13 questions divided into three fields. The level of knowledge was made based on pre-established scores. Results: 1149 instruments were analyzed (80.8% of the target population). The average age of the group was 15.5 years and 54.5% were female. The majority (78%) never had received information about oral cancer. Only 27.9% had cognizance about self-examination of the oral cavity. With regard to knowledge, 87.5% classified as unsatisfactory. For most issues the cognitive field did not identify a significant correlation between knowledge and the variables gender and education. When asked if they would like to participate in educational and preventive activitiesabout oral cancer and other issues related to health, 72.6% expressed interest. Conclusion: The group did not have adequate knowledge on the subject of oral cancer. Facing this reality, and the positive attitude of respondents, the researchers designed and offered an educational program to the research subjects.

scholarly journals A Questionnaire-Based Survey to Assess the Level of Knowledge and Awareness about Drug–Food Interactions among General Public in Western Saudi Arabia

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Syed Faisal Zaidi ◽  
Rayan Mgarry ◽  
Abdullah Alsanea ◽  
Sakar Khalid Almutairi ◽  
Yaser Alsinnari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Jeddah City ◽  
Fundamental Information ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Males And Females

Introduction: Various drug–food interactions exist that may hinder treatment and can sometimes be lethal. Our aim was to assess the level of public knowledge and awareness in Jeddah city, Western Saudi Arabia, about drug–food interactions, along with the effects of demographics on their knowledge. Methods: A survey questionnaire was administered in this cross-sectional study to participants spread across multiple locations in Jeddah, including in malls and public gatherings. Participants included both males and females. Sample size was calculated through Raosoft® software. Data analysis was executed using IBM Statistic SPSS and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 410 people participated in the study and only 92.68% (380) of responses were enrolled in the study; 7.32% (30) were not enrolled due to the exclusion criteria. Surprisingly, only six out of eighteen questions regarding drug–food interactions in the administered questionnaire were correctly answered by 380 participants. Data indicated that the participants had a poor to intermediate level of both knowledge and awareness with respect to drug–food interactions. Furthermore, participants showed moderate to strong awareness of the effects of alcohol and tea generally, and their interaction with medication. Conclusion: Participants in our study showed inadequate knowledge of basic and fundamental information about drug–food interactions, which highlights the dire need to increase awareness.

scholarly journals Knowledge and understanding of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Thinley Phuntsho ◽  
Phurb Dorji
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Antenatal Clinic ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstetric Danger Signs ◽  
Danger Signs ◽  
Obstetric Emergencies ◽  
Level Of Knowledge

Abstract Background The third Sustainable Development Goal for 2030 development agenda aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Pregnant women’s understanding of danger signs is an important factor in seeking timely care during emergencies. We assessed knowledge of obstetric danger signs using both recall and understanding of appropriate action required during obstetric emergencies. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Bhutan’s largest hospital in Thimphu. Recall was assessed against seven obstetric danger signs outlined in the Mother and Child Health Handbook (7 points). Understanding of danger signs was tested using 13 multiple choice questions (13 points). Knowledge was scored out of 20 points and reported as ‘good’ (≥80%), ‘satisfactory’ (60–79%) and ‘poor’ (< 60%). Correlation between participant characteristics and knowledge score as well as number of danger signs recalled was tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Association between knowledge score and participant characteristics was tested using t-tests (and Kruskal-Wallis test) for numeric variables. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the level of knowledge ('good’ versus ‘satisfactory’ and ‘poor’ combined) were assessed with odds ratios using a log-binomial regression model. All results with p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results Four hundred and twenty-two women responded to the survey (response rate = 96.0%). Mean (±SD) knowledge score was 12 (±2.5). Twenty women (4.7%) had ‘good’ knowledge, 245 (58.1%) had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge and 157 (37.2%) had ‘poor’ knowledge. The median number of danger signs recalled was 2 (IQR 1, 3) while 68 women (20.3%) could not recall any danger signs. Most women were knowledgeable about pre-labour rupture of membranes (96.0%) while very few women were knowledgeable about spotting during pregnancy (19.9%). Both knowledge score and number of danger signs recalled had significant correlation with the period of gestation. Women with previous surgery on the reproductive tract had higher odds of having ‘good’ level of knowledge. Conclusions Most pregnant women had ‘satisfactory’ knowledge score with poor explicit recall of danger signs. However, women recognized obstetric emergencies and identified the appropriate action warranted.

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