Abstract:
Informal e-waste recycling processes emit various air pollutants. While there are a number of pollutants of
concern, little information exists on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) releases at e-waste sites. To assess
occupational exposures and estimate health risks, we measured VOC levels at the Agbogbloshie e-waste site in
Ghana, the largest e-waste site in Africa, by collecting both fixed-site and personal samples for analyzing a wide
range of VOCs. A total of 54 VOCs were detected, dominated by aliphatic and aromatic compounds. Mean and
median concentrations of the total target VOCs were 46 and 37 μg/m3 at the fixed sites, and 485 and 162 μg/m3
for the personal samples. Mean and median hazard ratios were 2.1 and 1.4, respectively, and cancer risks were
4.6 × 10-4 and 1.5 × 10-4. These risks were predominantly driven by naphthalene and benzene; chloroform and
formaldehyde were also high in some samples. Based on the VOC composition, the major sources were industry,
fuel evaporation and combustion. The concentration gradient across sites and the similarity of VOC profiles
indicated that the e-waste site emissions reached neighboring communities. Our results suggest the need to
protect e-waste workers from VOC exposure, and to limit emissions that can expose nearby populations.
