Cadmium and lead in occupationally exposed e-waste workers: Health implications

Abstract

E-waste contains over a thousand different substances, most of which are toxic and hazardous to human health. This study aimed to determine the blood levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) among e-waste workers, and the possible health symptoms associated with chronic low dose occupational exposure to e-wastes. This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 80 individuals aged 25 years and above. Forty-two of the participants were e-waste workers and 38 were non-e-waste workers. Demographic characteristics and anthropometric data were obtained from each participant. Blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood cadmium levels (BCLs) were measured in all the participants using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The mean BLL and BCL were significantly higher in the e-waste workers than in the non-e-waste workers. Most of the e-waste workers (76.2%) performed phone and laptop repairs. They reported chest pain (19.0%), abdominal pain (9.5%), throat irritation (2.4%), and cough (9.5%) as common symptoms experienced at work. Many of the e-waste cohort (73.8%) worked in poorly ventilated rooms and many (95.2%) were also involved in crude and unregulated e-waste recycling processes. In conclusion, the results from our study suggested that elevated BLL and BCL in the e-waste workers were from occupational exposure associated with crude e-waste recycling processes, and these elevated levels were probably associated with the adverse health effects in this group of workers. Continuous training and awareness of safe occupational practices is highly recommended among the e-waste workers.