Effect of E-Waste on Cognitive Functions of Jhs 1 Pupils in Schools Around E-Waste Site at Agbogbloshie

Abstract

Background: Disposal of electronic waste is an emerging global environmental and public health problem. The recycling of electronic waste by open burning releases a complex mixture of toxicants containing oxides of inorganic particles of metals which disperse into the environment to affect the health of pupils attending schools located around Agbogbloshie e-waste site. Hazardous inorganic metals such as Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) found in e-waste have strong neurodevelopment and neurobehavioral effects on cognition especially in children. Studies have associated e-waste recycling with several adverse cognitive health outcomes such as low intelligence quotient, poor memory, attention deficit and learning disability among school children, but no such studies have enumerated such effects of e-waste on school pupils in Ghana. Aim: This study assessed the body burden of heavy metals in blood Lead, Manganese, and urine Cadmium, Chromium and Nickel and cognitive function of JHS 1 pupils in schools around e-waste processing site at Agbogbloshie. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May to June 2015 among 50 pupils. Adapted form of structured toxicity questionnaire was used to collect data on poor memory, confusion, poor concentration, difficulty in making decision, stuttering, slurred speech, learning disability and attention deficit. Intelligence quotient was measure using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition. Urine and blood were sampled into vacutainers. At the time of reporting the study data was available for only 21 pupils. The proportion of symptoms of cognitive well-being was calculated. Mean and standard deviations of heavy metals and IQ were computed. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between the heavy metals and Full-Scale IQ.

Results: The mean concentrations (SD) of heavy metals in blood and urine samples of the pupils were 63.3(28.3) μg/L, 11.55(4.7) μg/L, 0.32(0.04) μg/L, 5.47(1.3) μg/L, and 0.37(0.03) μg/L for Pb in blood, Mn in blood and Cd, Ni and Cr in urine respectively. The mean IQ was 69 (3.28). There were statistically no significant associations between the heavy metals and Full-Scale IQ. Conclusion: This study revealed that pupils attending schools near the e-waste site were exposed to heavy metals. Their mean intelligence quotient was below average according to Wechsler classification of intelligence quotient. Attention deficit, difficulty in making decision, confusion and learning disability were also common among the pupils. Keywords: Cognitive function, Cognitive health outcome, Cognitive well-being, E-waste, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Heavy metals, Neurotoxicity.