Exposure to Heavy Metals and Respiratory Function among E-Waste Burners at Agbogbloshie, Accra

摘要

Background: Dismantling and open air burning of electronic waste (e-waste) results in the release of mixtures of pollutants such as metallic dust, fumes and toxic gases deleterious to human health. Elevated biological and personal ambient air levels of heavy metals have previously been reported among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie, Accra. Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to assess the association between levels of heavy metals nickel (Ni) in urine, and lead (Pb) in blood and pulmonary function (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and ratio of FEV1/FVC) among e-waste recyclers constantly involved in open air burning at Agbogloshie, Accra. Methods: After ethical approval from the Ministry of Health, and receipt of consent from study participants, 10 ml of venous blood and 20 ml of urine was collected and analysed for Ni and Pb using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (PerkinElmer, Pin AAcle 900T, London, UK). Lung function indices (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC) were obtained using a spirometer (Spirolab III, MIR, Italy). Mean values and standard deviations of heavy metals, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and proportions of respiratory symptoms were computed. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the associations between heavy metals in blood and urine and respiratory function parameters. Results: The most commonly self-reported respiratory symptoms were sore throat (50%), chest pains (45.5%), excessive phlegm (45.5%), and chronic cough (37%). The Mean concentrations (standard deviation) of the heavy metals were bPb 119.16 μg/L (47.10) and uNi 8.77μg/L (1.26). There was no significant association between the heavy metals and the measures of respiratory functions. Conclusions: This study showed elevated levels of lead and nickel in the blood and urine of the e-waste burners. However, there was no significant association between lung function and the heavy metals.