Exploratory Health Assessment of Chemical Exposures at E-Waste Recycling and Scrapyard Facility in Ghana
2013
Jack Caravanos, DrPH, CIH | Edith E. Clarke, DrPH, MPH | Carl S. Osei, MD, MPH | Yaw Amoyaw-Osei
Background. Ghana is one of several West African countries receiving high volumes of used electric and electronic equipment and waste. Within the capital city of Accra, one scrapyard has been the site of extensive e-waste handling, processing and dismantling. Objectives. The Ghana Health Service undertook a study to assess health symptoms and chemical markers of exposure in urine and blood serum. Methods. Eighty-seven e-waste workers and an equivalent control population were enrolled in a study that included: hazard perceptions, reported health symptoms, clinical examinations and urine and blood serum testing. Results. The results indicate that measurable adverse health outcomes are detectable in exposed populations as opposed to unexposed. In addition, statistically significantly elevated levels of the elements barium, manganese, selenium and zinc were present in the urine of e-waste workers as compared to a control group. Similarly, the blood serum levels of barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, selenium and zinc were significantly elevated among those exposed to e-waste recycling. Conclusions. The results indicate that it is likely the Agbogbloshie e-waste proccessing site/scrapyard is exposing workers to hazardous levels of chemical agents. Given the proximity of the residential community, such exposures are likely to affect the local residents as well. Short- and long-term interventions are needed to reduce the chemical health threat to this population. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
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