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

Author

Listed:
  • Chimere May Ohajinwa

    (Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands)

  • Peter M. van Bodegom

    (Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands)

  • Oladele Osibanjo

    (Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200284, Nigeria)

  • Qing Xie

    (Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China)

  • Jingwen Chen

    (Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China)

  • Martina G. Vijver

    (Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands)

  • Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg

    (Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9518, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
    Center for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3721 Bilthoven, The Netherlands)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Chimere May Ohajinwa & Peter M. van Bodegom & Oladele Osibanjo & Qing Xie & Jingwen Chen & Martina G. Vijver & Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, 2019. "Health Risks of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Metals at Informal Electronic Waste Recycling Sites," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:6:p:906-:d:213499
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chimere M. Ohajinwa & Peter M. Van Bodegom & Martina G. Vijver & Willie J. G. M. Peijnenburg, 2017. "Health Risks Awareness of Electronic Waste Workers in the Informal Sector in Nigeria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-16, August.
    2. United Nations UN, 2015. "Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," Working Papers id:7559, eSocialSciences.
    3. Chimere May Ohajinwa & Peter M. Van Bodegom & Qing Xie & Jingwen Chen & Martina G. Vijver & Oladele O. Osibanjo & Willie J.G.M. Peijnenburg, 2019. "Hydrophobic Organic Pollutants in Soils and Dusts at Electronic Waste Recycling Sites: Occurrence and Possible Impacts of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-18, January.
    4. Egorova, Yana, 2017. "Инвестирование Денежных Средств В Условиях Экономического Кризиса В 2017 Году," MPRA Paper 77648, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    Cited by:

    1. Telesphore Kabera & Honorine Nishimwe & Juvenal Mukurarinda, 2023. "E-Waste Management in Rwanda: A Situational and Capacity Need Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Ibrahim Issah & John Arko-Mensah & Thomas P. Agyekum & Duah Dwomoh & Julius N. Fobil, 2022. "Health Risks Associated with Informal Electronic Waste Recycling in Africa: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Tamba S. Lebbie & Omosehin D. Moyebi & Kwadwo Ansong Asante & Julius Fobil & Marie Noel Brune-Drisse & William A. Suk & Peter D. Sly & Julia Gorman & David O. Carpenter, 2021. "E-Waste in Africa: A Serious Threat to the Health of Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-25, August.

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