The HBM4EU e-waste study: exploratory survey of worker’s exposure to toxic contaminants

So far, human biomonitoring (HBM) has not been much used to study exposure of workers involved in the processing of e-waste in the EU. In this study we aimed to explore exposures of workers to chemical contaminants, contribute to raise awareness of potential hazards and to further improve work practices. The study was conducted in eight European counties in a target population of 195 exposed and 73 controls. Biomarkers of exposure were used for selected metals and organic contaminants. Occupational hygiene sampling methods and contextual information were collected to facilitate the interpretation of the biomarker results. We found somewhat elevated exposures in workers for cadmium and mercury in blood and urine compared to controls. Blood analysis indicated high lead levels in post-shift compared to pre-shift in battery workers. Some urinary phthalate metabolite levels indicated a contribution from work-related exposures and were more pronounced in battery workers. Only small differences were observed in urinary excretion before and after the shift for organophosphorus flame retardants. Brominated flame retardant and PCB serum levels were in the range of general population background. From this exploratory study we conclude that more studies are needed to better understand chemical exposure in the processing of e-waste.

Description

HBM4EU E-Waste Study Team: Kukka Aimonen, Lasma Akulova, Rob Anzion, Radia Bousoumah, Argelia Castaño, Adam Clarke, Maurice van Dael, Marta Esteban López, Martien Graumans, Ogier Hanser, Beata Janasik, Kate Jones, Laura Komarovska, Sirpa Laitinen, Inese Martinsone, Linda Matisane, Rodrigo Moreira, Darren Musgrove, An van Nieuwenhuyse, Ana Nogueira, Linda Paegle, Hermínia Pinha, Tiina Rantio, Sílvia Reis Santos, Edna Ribeiro, Anita Seile, Ovnair Sepai, Marina Silva, Marjo Vänskä, Riitta Velin, Célia Ventura and Wojciech Wasowicz