Electronic Waste Recycling: Occupational Exposures and Work-Related Health Effects

Purpose of Review Electronic waste (e-waste) is a global public health challenge. E-waste recycling workers may be exposed to chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. This review provides an overview of recent research on occupational exposures in e-waste recycling and work-related h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current environmental health reports 2019-12, Vol.6 (4), p.256-268
Main Authors: Okeme, J.O., Arrandale, V. H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological effects
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedicine
Electronic equipment
Electronic waste
Electronic Waste - adverse effects
Environmental Health
Ergonomics
Exposure
Flame retardants
Hazardous materials
Hazardous Substances - adverse effects
Hazardous Substances - analysis
Humans
Low income groups
Medicine/Public Health
Metals
Occupational Diseases - epidemiology
Occupational Diseases - etiology
Occupational exposure
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
Occupational Exposure - analysis
Occupational health
Occupational Health (M Friesen and K Applebaum
Organic compounds
Organic contaminants
Particulates
Pharmacology/Toxicology
Psychological stress
Public Health
Recycling
Section Editors
Topical Collection on Occupational Health
Urine
Waste recycling
Workers
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Summary:Purpose of Review Electronic waste (e-waste) is a global public health challenge. E-waste recycling workers may be exposed to chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. This review provides an overview of recent research on occupational exposures in e-waste recycling and work-related health effects that can impact e-waste workers. Recent Findings E-waste workers are exposed to a variety of chemicals including metals, particulates, persistent organic compounds, and flame retardants. Exposure varies according to job task with higher exposures observed for dismantling and burning e-waste. Exposure to job stress and physical hazards (e.g., noise) also occurs. Summary Many studies have measured workers’ exposure in the e-waste recycling industry; fewer have investigated health effects. Biological measures were reported more often than external exposure measures. In order to protect workers, efforts are required to better understand exposures and their health effects. Removing hazardous materials from electronic equipment and reducing e-waste production would benefit workers, communities, and the environment.
ISSN:2196-5412
2196-5412
DOI:10.1007/s40572-019-00255-3