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.

Health risk assessment of occupational exposure to heavy metals in a steel casting unit of a steelmaking plant using Monte–Carlo simulation technique

2021 ◽  
pp. 074823372110195
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Dehghani ◽  
Fariborz Omidi ◽  
Reza Ali Fallahzadeh ◽  
Bahman Pourhassan
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Steel Casting ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Monte Carlo Simulation Technique ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Casting Unit

The present work aimed to evaluate the health risks of occupational exposure to heavy metals in a steel casting unit of a steel plant. To determine occupational exposure to heavy metals, personal air samples were taken from the workers’ breathing zones using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health method. Noncancer and cancer risks due to the measured metals were calculated according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency procedures. The results indicated that the noncancer risks owing to occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and manganese were higher than the recommended value in most of the workstations. The estimated cancer risk of Pb was also higher than the allowable value. Moreover, the results of sensitivity analysis indicated that the concentration, inhalation rate, and exposure duration were the most influencing variables contributing to the calculated risks. It was thus concluded that the present control measures were not adequate and further improvements were required for reducing the exposure levels.

scholarly journals Hydrophobic Organic Pollutants in Soils and Dusts at Electronic Waste Recycling Sites: Occurrence and Possible Impacts of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chimere Ohajinwa ◽  
Peter Van Bodegom ◽  
Qing Xie ◽  
Jingwen Chen ◽  
Martina Vijver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Pollutants ◽  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Flame Retardants ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Hazardous Substances ◽  
Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Electronic Waste Recycling ◽  
Hydrophobic Organic Pollutants

Concerns about the adverse consequences of informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is increasing, because e-waste contains some hazardous substances such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) which is used as flame retardants in electronics. There is dearth of information on the concentrations of PBDEs and the pattern of distribution at the various e-waste recycling sites in Nigeria. This study therefore measured the concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners, in top soils (0–10 cm) and in various dust samples from different e-waste recycling sites (burning, dismantling, repair). PBDE concentrations at e-waste sites were compared with the concentrations in samples from corresponding control sites in three study locations in Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, and Aba). There were significant differences in the level of PBDEs congeners between each of the e-waste recycling sites and the corresponding control sites. The levels of PBDEs at the e-waste recycling sites exceeded the levels at the controls sites by a factor of 100 s to 1000 s. In general, PBDE concentrations at the e-waste sites decreased with the intensity of the e-waste recycling activities: burning sites > dismantling sites > repair sites > control sites. Our results suggest that the informal e-waste recycling has negative impacts on the enviroment and human health.

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soil and sediment from an electronic waste recycling facility

Chemosphere ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
pp. 810-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongli Wang ◽  
Zongwei Cai ◽  
Guibin Jiang ◽  
Anna Leung ◽  
Ming H. Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Electronic Waste Recycling ◽  
Soil And Sediment

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.

scholarly journals HOUSEHOLDS PRACTICE AND AWARENESS DIMENSION ON THE RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC WASTE IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abolarin Sanjo Kazeem ◽  
Isah Mohammed ◽  
Bukar Abba Gana ◽  
Maina Mam Ago
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Electronic System ◽  
The United States ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Positive Statements ◽  
Average Quantity ◽  
Electronic Waste Recycling ◽  
Open Data Kit ◽  
Environmental Programme

Electronic waste generation has been increasing at a rate three times faster than that of general waste stream. Developing nations like Nigeria bear the consequences as it is estimated that 500 containers, each carrying about 500,000 used computers and other electronic equipment, enter Nigeria’s ports every month from the United States, Europe and Asia. To this effect, The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have announced a $15 million initiative to establish an electronic system in Nigeria, which will pioneer safe e-waste recycling in the country. It is against this background that this study was conducted to determine the households’ awareness and practice towards the recycling of e-waste, as well as the most suitable collection pattern within Kano Metropolis. The data for this study was collected using Open Data Kit (ODK) mobile phone platform, which contained questions on households’ characteristics, current practices regarding disposal and recycling of electronic waste as well as their awareness dimension on the recycling of e-waste. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to estimate the average number of unused households’ appliances and also to analyse household awareness and practice. The awareness dimension of the surveyed households about recycling of electronic waste was determined and 97% of the households are aware of the significance of electronic waste recycling. The positive statements presented about awareness indicates a positive awareness dimension about the significance of recycling electronic waste. Among the sampled households, 23% engage in e-waste recycling, and they all do this by selling their wastes (electronic waste, inclusive) to house-to-house scavengers. Majority of the households (77.4%) do not recycle electronic waste. They either keep them at home for decoration, give them out for free, burn them or dispose them in open dumpsites. The average quantity of e-waste prese

scholarly journals O6D.5 Electronic waste recycling exposure and hormone levels in workers

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A58.2-A59
Author(s):  
Sabrina Gravel ◽  
Bouchra Bakhiyi ◽  
Jérôme Lavoué ◽  
Marc-André Verner ◽  
Joseph Zayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Waste Recycling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Total Testosterone ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Electronic Waste Recycling

Background and objectiveElectronic waste recycling (e-recycling) exposes workers to several contaminants, including flame retardants that are suspected endocrine disruptors. We aimed to explore the association between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hormone levels in the serum of Canadian e-recycling workers.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected from 85 e-recycling workers (six facilities) and from 15 workers in other types of recycling (two facilities), at the end of a work shift. Socio-demographic information was obtained by questionnaire and body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. Serum concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners were measured as well as thyroid hormones (free and total thyroxine [T4], triiodothyronine [T3], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]) and testosterone (free and total). Linear regressions were stratified on sex and adjusted for age, BMI, seniority, smoking status, and type of recycling. Ten participants were excluded because of thyroid or testicular problems.ResultsParticipants were 23 women and 77 men (mean 40 years old, SD=12 years). Average hormone levels were within the laboratory normal range. In e-recycling, geometric mean concentrations of the most detected congeners were 11, 11 and 20 ng/g lipids for BDE47, BDE153 and BDE209, respectively. Only BDE209 concentrations were higher in e-recycling than in the control group. A two-fold increase in serum BDE209 was associated with a significant increase of 2.48 nmol/L in total T4 in men (p=0.011), and with a close to significant increase in the free/total testosterone ratio of 6% in men (p=0.053). BDE47 and BDE153 were not associated with hormone levels.ConclusionsThe clinical significance of high exposure to BDE209 in working adults is yet to be established, but endocrine effects were observed in this population. E-recycling workers are highly exposed to PBDEs among other substances, which may make them more vulnerable to hormonal disruption.

scholarly journals Work-Related Perceptions, Injuries, and Musculoskeletal Symptoms: Comparison Between U.S.-Educated and Foreign-Educated Nurses

2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 326-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyung Mi Kim ◽  
Soo-Jeong Lee
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Safety Climate ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
The United States ◽  
Musculoskeletal Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Immigrant Nurses

Immigrants account for a significant proportion of the nursing workforce in the United States (U.S.). Although different cultural backgrounds may affect immigrant nurses’ perceptions of work and occupational health risks, little research has been conducted. Defining immigrant nurses as those who received initial nursing education in foreign countries, this study examined the differences in work-related perceptions and experiences of musculoskeletal (MS) symptoms and injuries between U.S.-educated and foreign-educated nurses. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional study using a statewide random sample of 419 California registered nurses. Foreign-educated nurses reported a more positive safety climate ( p = .017) and perceived their jobs as less demanding ( p = .008) than did U.S.-educated nurses. The prevalence of work-related MS symptoms was significantly lower in foreign-educated nurses than in U.S.-educated nurses ( p = .044), but the difference was not significant in the multivariable analyses. Positive safety climate was significantly associated with a decreased risk of work-related MS symptoms and injuries, and this relationship was greater among U.S.-educated nurses than among foreign-educated nurses. Our findings suggest that immigrant nurses may have different perceptions about safety climate and job demand, which may modify their occupational health risks.

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