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Health Consequences for E-Waste Workers and Bystanders—A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Damian Fischer

    (Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Fatima Seidu

    (GIZ Ghana Country Office, 7 Volta Street, Accra, Ghana)

  • Jennie Yang

    (Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Michael K. Felten

    (Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Cyryl Garus

    (Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Thomas Kraus

    (Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Julius N. Fobil

    (Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG13, Legon, Ghana)

  • Andrea Kaifie

    (Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

Abstract

Informal e-waste recycling is associated with several health hazards. Thus far, the main focus of research in the e-waste sector has been to assess the exposure site, such as the burden of heavy metals or organic pollutants. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the health consequences associated with informal e-waste recycling. A questionnaire-based assessment regarding occupational information, medical history, and current symptoms and complaints was carried out with a group of n = 84 e-waste workers and compared to a control cohort of n = 94 bystanders at the e-waste recycling site Agbogbloshie. E-waste workers suffered significantly more from work-related injuries, back pain, and red itchy eyes in comparison to the control group. In addition, regular drug use was more common in e-waste workers (25% vs. 6.4%). Both groups showed a noticeable high use of pain killers (all workers 79%). The higher frequency of symptoms in the e-waste group can be explained by the specific recycling tasks, such as burning or dismantling. However, the report also indicates that adverse health effects apply frequently to the control group. Occupational safety trainings and the provision of personal protection equipment are needed for all workers.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1534-:d:325766
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. Anuli Njoku & Martin Agbalenyo & Janaya Laude & Taiwo Folake Ajibola & Mavis Asiwome Attah & Samuel Bruce Sarko, 2023. "Environmental Injustice and Electronic Waste in Ghana: Challenges and Recommendations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-17, December.
    3. Lynda Andeobu & Santoso Wibowo & Srimannarayana Grandhi, 2023. "Environmental and Health Consequences of E-Waste Dumping and Recycling Carried out by Selected Countries in Asia and Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-28, July.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

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