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

  • Occupational Health (M Friesen and K Applebaum, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Heather Cunningham and Christina Kim from Research and Innovation Services at the Gerstein Science Information Centre at the University of Toronto for their assistance in designing the literature search strategy.

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  1. Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Care Ontario, 525 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6G 2L3, Canada

    J.O. Okeme & V. H. Arrandale

  2. Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada, 223 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R4, Canada

    V. H. Arrandale

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Okeme, J., Arrandale, V.H. Electronic Waste Recycling: Occupational Exposures and Work-Related Health Effects. Curr Envir Health Rpt 6, 256–268 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-019-00255-3

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