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Recycling Plastics from WEEE: A Review of the Environmental and Human Health Challenges Associated with Brominated Flame Retardants

Author

Listed:
  • Cecilia Chaine

    (Restructa Ltd., North Newmoor Industrial Estate, Irvine KA11 4JU, UK
    School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Andrew S. Hursthouse

    (School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Bruce McLean

    (CCL (North) Ltd., Meadowhead Industrial Estate, Irvine KA115AU, UK)

  • Iain McLellan

    (School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Brian McMahon

    (Restructa Ltd., North Newmoor Industrial Estate, Irvine KA11 4JU, UK)

  • Jim McNulty

    (Restructa Ltd., North Newmoor Industrial Estate, Irvine KA11 4JU, UK)

  • Jan Miller

    (School of Health & Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

  • Evi Viza

    (School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK)

Abstract

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) presents the dual characteristic of containing both hazardous substances and valuable recoverable materials. Mainly found in WEEE plastics, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a component of particular interest. Several actions have been taken worldwide to regulate their use and disposal, however, in countries where no regulation is in place, the recovery of highly valuable materials has promoted the development of informal treatment facilities, with serious consequences for the environment and the health of the workers and communities involved. Hence, in this review we examine a wide spectrum of aspects related to WEEE plastic management. A search of legislation and the literature was made to determine the current legal framework by region/country. Additionally, we focused on identifying the most relevant methods of existing industrial processes for determining BFRs and their challenges. BFR occurrence and substitution by novel BFRs (NBFRs) was reviewed. An emphasis was given to review the health and environmental impacts associated with BFR/NBFR presence in waste, consumer products, and WEEE recycling facilities. Knowledge and research gaps of this topic were highlighted. Finally, the discussion on current trends and proposals to attend to this relevant issue were outlined.

Suggested Citation

  • Cecilia Chaine & Andrew S. Hursthouse & Bruce McLean & Iain McLellan & Brian McMahon & Jim McNulty & Jan Miller & Evi Viza, 2022. "Recycling Plastics from WEEE: A Review of the Environmental and Human Health Challenges Associated with Brominated Flame Retardants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:766-:d:722006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ayah Alassali & Caterina Picuno & Hanin Samara & Sascha Diedler & Silvia Fiore & Kerstin Kuchta, 2019. "Antimony Mining from PET Bottles and E-Waste Plastic Fractions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-14, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Giuseppe Bonifazi & Ludovica Fiore & Riccardo Gasbarrone & Roberta Palmieri & Silvia Serranti, 2023. "Hyperspectral Imaging Applied to WEEE Plastic Recycling: A Methodological Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Kamil Banaszkiewicz & Iwona Pasiecznik & Wojciech Cieżak & Emilia den Boer, 2022. "Household E-Waste Management: A Case Study of Wroclaw, Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-17, September.
    3. Gimhan Jayasiri & Sunil Herat & Prasad Kaparaju, 2023. "Management of Small WEEE: Future Directions for Australia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-22, September.

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