Effects of E-Waste on Respiratory Function Among E-Waste Workers Engaged In Burning At Agbogbloshie, Accra.

Abstract

Background: Open air burning of e-waste produces smoke, fumes and toxic gases such as furans, dioxins, brominated flame retardants and metallic dust which are deleterious to human health. High environmental and biological levels of heavy metals have previously been reported among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie. However, no study has been conducted to investigate the effect of these contaminants on the respiratory function of the e-waste workers. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess respiratory function (FEV1, FVC FEV1/FVC) and the body burden of heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel, lead, manganese and chromium amongst e-waste burners at Agbogbloshie. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from May to July 2015 among all 89 e-waste burners. Interviews, spirometry, blood and urine sampling were used to collect data from study participants. Analysis of the data for this report, however, was based on twenty- two e-waste burners whose data on heavy metals were available at the time of writing this report. Mean values and standard deviations of heavy metals and FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were computed. Proportions of respiratory symptoms were also computed. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the associations between heavy metals in blood and urine and indicators of respiratory functions. Results: The mean age (SD) of e-waste burners was 22.4 years (7.02 years). Most (90.9%) of them were aware of the respiratory hazards associated with their work, however, over 72% of the workers used no personal respiratory protective equipment (PPE). The most commonly self-reported respiratory symptoms included easy tiredness (63.6%), and sore throat (50%). The remaining cited cold (36.4%), chest pains (45.5%), excessive phlegm (45.5%), and chronic University of Ghana http://ugspace.ug.edu.gh v cough (37%). Mean concentrations (standard deviation) of the heavy metals ranged from bPb 119.16 μg/L (47.10), bMn 9.61 μg/L (3.23), uCd 0.39 μg/L (0.02), uNi 8.77 μg/L (1.26) and uCr 0.20 μg/L (0.03). There was no significant association between the heavy metals and the measures of respiratory functions. Conclusions: This study showed elevated levels of lead in the blood and nickel in the urine of the e-waste burners. However, there was no significant association between lung function parameters and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Mn, Cr, and Ni).