Metal exposure of workers during recycling of electronic waste: a cross-sectional study in sheltered workshops in Germany.
Int Arch Occup Environ Health
; 94(5): 935-944, 2021 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33486553
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
In Germany, the initial step of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling frequently takes place in sheltered workshops for physically and mentally handicapped workers (Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen (WfbM), in german language). E-waste recycling involves a potential risk of exposure to toxic metals. Therefore, we assessed the occupational exposure of recycling workers to toxic metals to identify potential health risks and insufficient protective measures.METHODS:
We used a combined air- and bio-monitoring approach to determine exposure of recycling workers to toxic metals. Air and urine samples were collected in five sheltered workshops in Germany and were analysed for their content of aluminium, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, mercury and nickel. Results were compared to German and international occupational limit values and to metal exposures of workers in conventional e-waste recycling firms.RESULTS:
Exposure of recycling workers in five German sheltered workshops to the studied metals and their compounds was below German and international occupational limit values across all facilities studied considering both air and urine samples. Workers in the present study were not exposed to higher amounts of toxic metals than workers in conventional e-waste recycling firms.CONCLUSION:
This is the first study on toxic metal exposure of recycling workers in sheltered workshops. The results of this study revealed a low occupational exposure of e-waste recycling workers to toxic metals in this type of enterprises. Current work methods and safety measures provide the workers with adequate protection.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Exposición Profesional
/
Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire
/
Reciclaje
/
Residuos Electrónicos
/
Metales
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int Arch Occup Environ Health
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania