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Human Body Burden of Heavy Metals and Health Consequences of Pb Exposure in Guiyu, an E-Waste Recycling Town in China

Author

Listed:
  • Wenlong Huang

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China)

  • Xiaoling Shi

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China)

  • Kusheng Wu

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China)

Abstract

Guiyu accommodates millions of tons of e-waste from overseas and domestic sources each year and is notorious for its e-waste dismantling industry. As a consequence, Guiyu has been described as “the world’s most toxic place” and “junk town”. Informal e-waste recycling activities have caused severe pollution to the local environment and are associated with extensive health problems to the residents. This review provides updated insights on the body burden of heavy metals derived from e-waste and health outcomes resulted from lead (Pb) exposure. The review identified that Guiyu has been highly contaminated by heavy metals, especially Pb. Excessive exposure to Pb has been associated with multi-system and long-term effects in neonates and children, covering nervous, cardiovascular, adaptive immune, and hematologic systems as well as chromosome and DNA damage. Our review indicates strong associations that emphasize the need to develop strong regulations for prevention of exposure and health consequences in Guiyu and similar sites around the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenlong Huang & Xiaoling Shi & Kusheng Wu, 2021. "Human Body Burden of Heavy Metals and Health Consequences of Pb Exposure in Guiyu, an E-Waste Recycling Town in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12428-:d:688276
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ya Tang, 2016. "Pollution: centralized pilot for e-waste processing," Nature, Nature, vol. 538(7623), pages 41-41, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yan Yang & Mengdi Zhang & Haojia Chen & Zenghua Qi & Chengcheng Liu & Qiang Chen & Tao Long, 2022. "Estimation of Children’s Soil and Dust Ingestion Rates and Health Risk at E-Waste Dismantling Area," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-13, June.
    2. Haomin Lei & Xin Xu & Xiaofeng Liu & Junboum Park & Zhongyu Yu & Hao Liu, 2022. "Red Mud-Amended Soil as Highly Adsorptive Hybrid-Fill Materials for Controlling Heavy Metal Sewage Seepage in Industrial Zone," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-15, November.

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