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Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Augustine A. Acquah

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

  • Clive D’Souza

    (Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2117, USA)

  • Bernard J. Martin

    (Center for Ergonomics, Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2117, USA)

  • John Arko-Mensah

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

  • Duah Dwomoh

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

  • Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

  • Lawrencia Kwarteng

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

  • Sylvia A. Takyi

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

  • Niladri Basu

    (Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada)

  • Isabella A. Quakyi

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

  • Thomas G. Robins

    (Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA)

  • Julius N. Fobil

    (Department of Biological Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra 00233, Ghana)

Abstract

Informal recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has myriad environmental and occupational health consequences, though information about the chronic musculoskeletal health effects on workers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie in Ghana—the largest informal e-waste dumpsite in West Africa—relative to workers not engaged in e-waste recycling. A standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire was administered to 176 e-waste workers (73 collectors, 82 dismantlers, and 21 burners) and 41 workers in a reference group. The number of body parts with musculoskeletal discomfort were 1.62 and 1.39 times higher for collectors and dismantlers than burners, respectively. A 1-week discomfort prevalence was highest for collectors (91.8%) followed by dismantlers (89%), burners (81%), and the reference group (70.7%). The discomfort prevalence for e-waste workers was highest in the lower back (65.9%), shoulders (37.5%), and knees (37.5%). Whole-body pain scores (mean ± SE) were higher for collectors (83.7 ± 10.6) than dismantlers (45.5 ± 7.6), burners (34.0 ± 9.1), and the reference group (26.4 ± 5.9). Differences in prevalence, location, and intensity of MSD symptoms by the e-waste job category suggest specific work-related morbidity. Symptom prevalence and intensity call attention to the high risk for MSDs and work disability among informal e-waste workers, particularly collectors and dismantlers.

Suggested Citation

  • Augustine A. Acquah & Clive D’Souza & Bernard J. Martin & John Arko-Mensah & Duah Dwomoh & Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti & Lawrencia Kwarteng & Sylvia A. Takyi & Niladri Basu & Isabella A. Quakyi & Thomas , 2021. "Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-21, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2055-:d:502383
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karla Yohannessen & Daniela Pinto-Galleguillos & Denisse Parra-Giordano & Amaranta Agost & Macarena Valdés & Lauren M. Smith & Katherine Galen & Aubrey Arain & Felipe Rojas & Richard L. Neitzel & Pabl, 2019. "Health Assessment of Electronic Waste Workers in Chile: Participant Characterization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-14, January.
    2. Katrina N. Burns & Kan Sun & Julius N. Fobil & Richard L. Neitzel, 2016. "Heart Rate, Stress, and Occupational Noise Exposure among Electronic Waste Recycling Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, January.
    3. Damian Fischer & Fatima Seidu & Jennie Yang & Michael K. Felten & Cyryl Garus & Thomas Kraus & Julius N. Fobil & Andrea Kaifie, 2020. "Health Consequences for E-Waste Workers and Bystanders—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-12, February.
    4. Vusumuzi Maphosa & Mfowabo Maphosa, 2020. "E-waste management in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review," Cogent Business & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(1), pages 1814503-181, January.
    5. Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti & John Arko-Mensah & Paul K. Botwe & Duah Dwomoh & Lawrencia Kwarteng & Sylvia Akpene Takyi & Augustine Appah Acquah & Prudence Tettey & Niladri Basu & Stuart Batterman & Thom, 2020. "Effect of Particulate Matter Exposure on Respiratory Health of e-Waste Workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-15, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Salma Taqi Ghulam & Hatem Abushammala, 2023. "Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of Electronic Waste and Its Impact on Human Health and Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-22, January.
    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. Melissa Airem Cázares-Manríquez & Claudia Camargo-Wilson & Ricardo Vardasca & Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz & Jesús Everardo Olguín-Tiznado & Juan Andrés López-Barreras & Blanca Rosa García-Rivera, 2021. "Quantitative Models for Prediction of Cumulative Trauma Disorders Applied to the Maquiladora Industry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-19, April.

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