electrical/electronic waste and hildren [s health€¦ · the amount of e-waste generated in 2016...

Notes:• Please add details of the date, time, place and sponsorship of the meeting for which you are using this

presentation in the space indicated.• This is a large set of slides from which the presenter should select the most relevant ones to use in a specific

presentation. These slides cover many facets of the problem. Present only those slides that apply most directly to the local situation in the region.

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ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC WASTE AND CHILDREN’S HEALTH

TRAINING FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Children’s Health and the Environment

WHO Training Package for the Health SectorWorld Health Organization

www.who.int/ceh

WHO/CED/PHE/EPE/19.12.09

http://www.who.int/ceh

Image:• © Ana Maria Carmadelo

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Note: This presentation deals with children exposed to chemicals contaminated in air, soil, dust, food, or water due to emissions or effluents from electrical and electronic waste recycling activities where health care providers are called to play a key role.

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Learning objectives

• Understand the definition of e-waste, where it originates and how it moves around the world

• Recognize potential toxic hazards and the risks they may

pose to children

• Learn about exposure scenarios – how, where and when

children are at risk

• Learn about diseases that may be related to acute and chronic exposures to chemicals in e-waste

• Consider international actions and local interventions to

prevent children’s toxic exposures

Note: When selecting the slides to include in your presentation, please choose only those of relevance to the region and/or interests of your audience.

This training module includes:• Definitions of e-waste, scale of issues, and geographic routes of exposure.• Environmental origin of e-waste hazards, informal recycling processes leading to emissions, and overview of

exposures in children.• Mechanisms of action, target organs and systems affected from e-waste exposure.• Case studies from Guiyu, China; Agbogbloshie, Ghana; and Montevideo, Uruguay.• Management and prevention, including international initiatives, regulatory measures, and local actions at

community level and medical domain).

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Outline

• Definition of e-waste and magnitude of the problem

• Environmental origin, transport and fate of waste toxicants

• Mechanisms of toxicity and health effects

• Case studies: China, Ghana, Uruguay

• Management and prevention

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Outline






Notes:There is no standard definition of e-waste. The most widely accepted definition of e-waste is per the European Commission: “waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and it includes all components of electronic equipment, any subassemblies and consumables which are part of the product at the time it is discarded”.

The Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) initiative defines e-waste as “electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use”.

End of Life Equipment is defined as “individual equipment that is no longer suitable for use, and which is intended for dismantling and recovery of spare parts or is destined for material recovery and recycling or final disposal. It also includes off-specification or new equipment which has been sent for material recovery and recycling, or final disposal”.

References:• European Commission (2012). Directive 2012/19/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Official Journal of the European Union. 55(L 197):38-71. doi:10.3000/19770677.L_2012.197.eng. • United Nations University/Step Initiative (2014). Solving the e-waste problem (Step) white paper: one global definition of e-waste. Bonn: United Nations University/Step Initiative. (http://www.step-initiative.org/files/_documents/whitepapers/StEP_WP_One%20Global%20Definition%20of%20E-waste_20140603_amended.pdf, accessed 23 October 2018). • Secretariat of the Basel Convention, UNEP (2014). Basel convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal; protocol on l iability and compensation for damage resulting from transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal: texts and annexes. Geneva: United Nations Environment Programme, Secretariat of the Basel Convention. (http://www.basel.int/TheConvention/Overview/TextoftheConvention/tabid/1275/Default.aspx , accessed 23 October 2018).

Image: • © Federico Magalini

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DEFINITION& MAGNITUDE

Definition of e-waste

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

“waste electrical and electronic

equipment (WEEE) including all components, sub-assemblies and

consumables, which are part of the product at the time of discarding”

StEP INITIATIVE

“electrical and electronic

equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner

as waste without the intent of re-use”

http://www.step-initiative.org/files/_documents/whitepapers/StEP_WP_One%20Global%20Definition%20of%20E-waste_20140603_amended.pdf

http://www.basel.int/TheConvention/Overview/TextoftheConvention/tabid/1275/Default.aspx

Notes:Each year mill ions of electric and electronic devices are discarded as consumers buy new products. The discarded devices are considered electronic waste (e-waste) becoming an environmental and human threat.

The amount of e-waste generated in 2016 was estimated to be 44.7 Mt (mill ion metric tonnes). This is equivalent to 6.1 kg of e-waste per person each year. Furthermore, the amount of e-waste is expected to increase to 52.2 Mt by 2021. Of note, secondary products and waste may be invisible to production statistics.

The United Nations University estimated that in 2016, up to €55 bill ion in resources could have been retrieved from e-waste if all materials were properly recycled. Thus, it is a valuable commodity and can be the means for individuals’ and even communities’ l ivelihoods.

The e-waste trade is complex and international organizations are working on how best to define trade conditions and the difference between donations of usable equipment and export of waste electronics.Despite international regulations targeted to control the transport of e-waste to developing countries, transboundary movements are stil l unknown. Only 20% of e-waste is documented as being properly collected and recycled. Most of the remaining 80% is l ikely dumped, traded or recycled under inferior conditions. E-waste transport is a complex task because in some cases electronic equipment are traded in the form of donations to needy communities.

References:• Lundgren K (2012). The global impact of e-waste: addressing the challenge. Geneva: International Labour

Organization. (http://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_196105/lang--en/index.htm, accessed 23 October 2018).

• Balde CP, Forti V, Gray V, Kuehr R, Stegmann P (2017). The global e-waste monitor – 2017. Bonn, Geneva, Vienna: United Nations University, International Telecommunication Union, International Solid Waste Association. (http://ewastemonitor.info/, accessed 23 October 2018).

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Magnitude of the problem

• E-waste is a fast-growing solid waste stream

• 44.7 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated annually

• Up to €55 billion in resources could be recovered annually from properly recycled e-waste

• Complex and sometimes illegal e-waste trade goes to developing countries in order to extract valuable materials

• Children exposed to improperly managed e-waste experience

multiple toxic effects which impact their health and development

http://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_196105/lang--en/index.htm

http://ewastemonitor.info/

Notes:The United States of America, countries in Western Europe, China, Japan, and Australia are the majore-waste producers. In the last 10 years e-waste has been increasing in Eastern Europe and Latin America.

Primitive recycling of e-waste has been reported to occur in Asia (China, India, Vietnam) and Africa (Ghana, Nigeria).In other countries (Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda), there exist small-scale, informal e-waste recycling operations. Recycling activities in developing countries include recovering gold, si lver, copper, zinc, iron, tin, and other metals. In Latin American countries, several families l ive for decades in landfills. Evidence suggests that e-waste recycling and other informal activities represent the largest source of family financial support for economically disadvantaged families.

References:• Chen A, Dietrich KN, Huo X, Ho SM (2011). Developmental neurotoxicants in e-waste: an emerging health

concern. Environ Health Perspect. 119(4):431–438. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002452.• Huo X, Peng L, Xu X, Zheng L, Qiu B, Qi Z et al. (2007). Elevated blood lead levels of children in Guiyu, an

electronic waste recycling town in China. Environ Health Perspect. 115(7):1113–1117. doi:10.1289/ehp.9697.• Lundgren K (2012). The global impact of e-waste: addressing the challenge. Geneva: International Labour


• ITU, ECLAC , UNIDO , UNESCO, WHO, Basel Convention Regional Center for Latin America et al. (2016). Sustainable management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in Latin America.(https://www.uncclearn.org/sites/default/fi les/inventory/integrated_weee_management_and_disposal-395429-normal-e.pdf, accessed 23 October 2018).

Figure:• © World Economic Forum. In: WEF (2019). A new circular vision for electronics: time for a global reboot. Geneva:

World Economic Forum. (https://www.weforum.org/reports/a-new-circular-vision-for-electronics-time-for-a-global-reboot, accessed 12 February 2019).

• This report is published under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercialNoDerivs 4.0 Unported License (CCPL). To view a copy of this l icense please see https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode.

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https://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1002452



https://www.uncclearn.org/sites/default/files/inventory/integrated_weee_management_and_disposal-395429-normal-e.pdf

https://www.weforum.org/reports/a-new-circular-vision-for-electronics-time-for-a-global-reboot

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode

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Outline






Notes:E-waste activities may cause potential exposure to a complex mixture of of over 1000 chemicals, and the toxicity and environmental properties of these chemicals have not been thoroughlyinvestigated.

Most of these chemicals of concern have a slow metabolic rate in animals and may bio-accumulate in tissues. Thus, they can be excreted in edible products such as eggs and milk. Likewise, e–waste-related toxic effects can be exacerbated throughout a person’s l ifetime and across generations.

References:• Lundgren K (2012). The global impact of e-waste: addressing the challenge. Geneva: International Labour


• Sepúlveda A, Schluep M, Renaud FG, Streicher M, Kuehr R, Hagelüken C et al. (2010). A review of the environmental fate and effects of hazardous substances released from electrical and electronic equipmentsduring recycling: examples from China and India. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 30(1):28–41. doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2009.04.001.

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E-waste as a source of chemicals

• Over 1000 chemicals have been identified in e-waste streams

• Heavy metals

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

• Brominated flame retardants

• Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs)

• Some plastics components

ORIGIN,TRANSPORT & FATE


Notes:Although not exhaustive, the following l ist shows some forms of electrical and electronic equipment.

Peripheral items: any auxil iary device that connects to a computer, such as a mouse or keyboard Large household appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers

References:• Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE, Dragone R, Mantovani A (2010). Diagnostic health risk assessment of electronic waste on the general population in developing countries scenarios. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 30(1):388-399. doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2009.12.004. • Baldé CP, Wang F, Kuehr R, Huisman J (2015). The global e-waste monitor – 2014. Bonn: United Nationals University. (http://collections.unu.edu/view/UNU:5654, accessed 23 October 2018).

Images:© WHO (left) and WHO/Heba Farid (right)

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Examples of e-waste sources

• Computers, monitors and motherboards/chips

• Wireless devices and other peripheral items

• Printers, copiers and fax machines

• Telephones and mobile phones

• Video cameras

• Televisions

• Stereo equipment

• Cathode ray tubes

• Transformers

• Cables

• Lamps

• Large household appliances


http://collections.unu.edu/view/UNU:5654

Notes:Several hazardous chemicals are present in waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Chromium (VI) is found in data tapes and floppy-disks; cadmium is found in printer inks and toners of photocopy-machines; barium and mercury are found in fluorescent lamps; cadmium, barium, mercury, zinc, nickel and lead are found in cathode ray tubes; cadmium, nickel, l ithium and lead are found in batteries; and lead is found in printed wiring boards.

In addition to the above, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are also found in e-waste from printed wiring boards and thermoplastics. If there is combustion, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may also be released. About 16 US EPA priority PAHs and POPs such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been identified in e-waste. Examples for BFRs in e-waste are: polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), tetrabromobisphenol -A (TBBP-A) and 22 different PBDE congeners.

Furthermore, 36 non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (NDL PCB) congeners have been identified as e-waste components.

17 different polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (DL PCB) congeners, as well as polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners, and up to 16 different PAHs have been identified as being released during e-waste combustion.

References:• Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE, Dragone R, Mantovani A (2010). Diagnostic health risk assessment of electronic waste on

the general population in developing countries scenarios. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 30(1):388-399. doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2009.12.004.

• Perkins DN, Bruné DrisseMN, Nxele T, Sly PD (2014). E-waste: a global hazard. Ann Glob Health. 80(4):286-95. doi:10.1016/j.aogh.2014.10.001.

Figure:• Adapted from: Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE, Dragone R, Mantovani A (2010). Diagnostic health risk assessment of

electronic waste on the general population in developing countries scenarios. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 30(1):388-399. doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2009.12.004.

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Common toxicants released from unsound e-waste activities


Notes:Improperly managed e-waste materials may pose significant human and environmental health risks. In some areas, large quantities of e-waste are discarded, sometimes in river banks. Equipment is usually manually disassembled, working pieces are repaired and marketed, and useless materials end up in dumpsites or landfil ls. Primitive recycling of e-waste includes open burning of printed circuit boards (boards that connect electronic components in electronic devices), cables and plastics; stripping or burning wires to recover copper; plastic chipping and melting; as well as heating and acid leaching of circuit boards, memory banks or chips to extract gold and palladium. Burning circuit boards by hand is referred to as “cooking” circuit boards. Primitive recycling procedures through open cable burning, acid baths, and “cooking” circuit boards are considered the most hazardous scenarios.

Reference:• Sepúlveda A, Schluep M, Renaud FG, Streicher M, Kuehr R, Hagelüken C et al. (2010). A review of the

environmental fate and effects of hazardous substances released from electrical and electronic equipmentsduring recycling: examples from China and India. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 30(1):28–41. doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2009.04.001.

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E-waste and environmental pollution

Environmental pollution may be associated with…


Notes:If improperly managed, substances may pose significant human and environmental health risks. The hazards associated with placing e-waste in landfills are due to the variety of substances they contain. The main problem in this context is the leaching and evaporation of hazardous substances. Besides the leaching of substances in landfills, there is also a risk of vaporization of volatile hazardous substances. For example: for mercury, both the leaching and vaporization of metall ic mercury and methylated mercury are of concern. Dimethyl mercury, an organic form of mercury, was detected in landfil l gases at levels 1000 times higher than what has been measured in open air. Open burning is apparently the main source of poly-halogenated dioxins and furans and emissions of metal fumes.

References: • Sepúlveda A, Schluep M, Renaud FG, Streicher M, Kuehr R, Hagelüken C et al. (2010). A review of the


• Tsydenova O, Bengtsson M (2011). Chemical hazards associated with treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Waste Manag. 31(1):45–58. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2010.08.014.

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Hazardous emissions from informal recycling practices


Notes:Children participate in the manual sorting and picking of recyclable, reusable materials from mixed wastes. Working as a waste picker is considered One of the Worst Forms of Child Labour. In addition, children are involved in burning discarded electronics and in manually dismantling them into component parts. In developing countries children can serve as a source of cheap labour: their small hands give them an advantage in dismantling products. Informal recycling practices expose workers to high levels of toxicants from spending time in landfil ls or through the poor ventilation in indoor facilities, even home-based activities. Dismantling and burning e-waste can result in toxic airborne particles and fumes inhalation, direct skin exposure to corrosive agents, ingestion, or burns.

Even when children are not involved in child labour, they may be exposed to pollutants at home, where e-waste recovery and recycling often takes place. Home-based and family-run recycling using primitive procedures such as open cable burning, acid baths, and “cooking” circuit boards puts children at risk of both injury and exposure in their own home or backyard. Parents who engage in e-waste recycling work outside the home (especially ‘‘acid baths’’ and ‘‘burning to recover metal residues’’ works) may also take lead contaminated dusts home and increase the chances of lead exposure to children.

Regardless of their own occupations or parents’ occupations, children who live near recycling sites are exposed to e-waste hazards throughout the environment. Rudimentary recycling techniques, coupled with the amounts of e-waste processed, result in adverse environmental and human health impacts, including air, soil and surface water contamination. Children play outdoors and sometimes in landfil ls, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental contamination. E-waste materials are not only a source of environmental contamination but may also pose significant human health risks if improperly managed.

References:• Tsydenova O, Bengtsson M (2011). Chemical hazards associated with treatment of waste electrical and electronic

equipment. Waste Manag. 31(1):45–58. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2010.08.014.• Xu L, Huo X, Zhang Y, Li W, Zhang J, Xu X (2015). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human placenta associated

with neonatal physiological development at a typical e-waste recycling area in China. Environ Pollut. 196:414–422. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.002.

• Awasthi AK, Zeng X, Li J (2016). Environmental pollution of electronic waste recycling in India: a critical review. Environ Pollut. 211:259–270. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2015.11.027.

• Heacock M, Kelly CB, Asante KA, Birnbaum LS, Bergman A, Bruné Drisse MN et al. (2016). E-waste and harm to

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Sources and settings of child exposure

Child labour

• Direct exposure to corrosive agents, toxic airborne particles and

fumes

• High levels of toxicants at site

• Poor ventilation in indoor facilities

Home-based practices

• Injury risk if child enters area of e-waste activity

• E-waste pollutants tracked throughout home

Pollution in surroundings

• Play in landfills

• Proximity to e-waste sites

• Air, soil and surface water contamination


https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.002

vulnerable populations: a growing global problem. Environ Health Perspect. 124(5):550–555. doi:10.1289/ehp.1509699.

• ILO/IPEC (2004). Addressing the exploitation of children in scavenging (waste picking): a thematic evaluation of action on child labour. Geneva: International Labour Organization. (http://www.bvsde.paho.org/bvsacd/cd27/scavenging.pdf, accessed 24 October 2018).

• Pascale A, Sosa A, Bares C, Battocletti A, Moll MJ, Pose D et al. (2016). E-waste informal recycling: an emerging source of lead exposure in South America. Ann Glob Health. 82(1):197–201. doi:10.1016/j.aogh.2016.01.016.

• Zheng L, Wu K, Li Y, Qi Z, Han D, Zhang B et al. (2008). Blood lead and cadmium levels and relevant factors among children from an e-waste recycling town in China. Environ Res. 108(1):15–20. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2008.04.002.

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http://www.bvsde.paho.org/bvsacd/cd27/scavenging.pdf

Notes:Exposure occurs through contaminants in the soil, home surfaces (e.g. window sil ls, shelves) and water, which can be inhaled or ingested. Frequent hand-to-mouth behaviour in younger children can increase exposure to chemicals from dust or play items.

In vil lages situated along the rivers where piles of e-waste are disposed and burned, people use the river water directly for drinking, cooking and washing. One example is Guiyu, China, a major e-waste hotspot. Levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in some fish of Guiyu river exceeded the EU's maximum allowable concentration in fish muscle (4 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight), so the intake of PCDD/Fs via freshwater fish consumption in this place may exceed the higher end of the tolerable daily intake recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), European Commission-Scientific Committee on Food (EC-SCF) and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), 1–4, 2 and 2.3 pg WHO-TEQ/kg body weight/day, respectively.

Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs are chemicals with different degrees of dioxin-like toxicity. The use of Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs) allows concentrations of the less toxic compounds to be expressed as an overall equivalent concentration of the most toxic dioxin, 2,3,7,8-TCDD. These toxicity-weighted concentrations are then summed to give a single concentration expressed as a Toxic Equivalent (TEQ).

References:• Chan JK, Man YB, Xing GH, Wu SC, Murphy MD, Xu Y et al. (2013). Dietary exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-

dioxins and dibenzofurans via fish consumption and dioxin-like activity in fish determined by H4IIE-luc bioassay. Sci Total Environ. 463-464: 1192-200. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.07.099.

• Heacock M, Kelly CB, Asante KA, Birnbaum LS, Bergman A, Bruné MN et al. (2016). E-waste and harm to vulnerable populations: a growing global problem. Environ Health Perspect. 124(5):550–555. doi:10.1289/ehp.1509699.

Image: • © Federico Magalini

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Routes of child exposure

Inhalation of indoor and outdoor fumes

• Atmospheric pollution due to

burning and dismantling

activities

Ingestion of:

• Contaminated dust and soil

• Contaminated drinking water

• Contaminated food


Notes:Exposure of children and pregnant women to lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals can cause serious neurological damage to the child. Chemicals can cross the placenta and contaminate breast milk. Transplacental and lactational exposure is expected for most metals and lipophilic organic pollutants in e-waste. Breast milk represents the very top of the food-chain. Note: WHO promotes breast-feeding as the optimal food for babies, in spite of the presence of contaminants in it.

Pregnant women who grew up in recycling sites would have a longer exposure history and higher body burden in physiologic deposits (i .e. bones and adipose tissues) than that of women who moved in at the time of marriage. Exposures to men may affect spermatogenesis and lead to transgenerational effects. Exposure is seen during gestation and even among neonates in many studies comparing populations that work with e-waste to those that do not.

References: • Pronczuk J, Akre J, Moy G, Vallenas C (2002). Global perspectives in breast milk contamination infectious and

toxic hazards. Environ Health Perspect. 110(6):A349–A351. doi:10.1289/ehp.021100349• Zheng L, Wu K, Li Y, Qi Z, Han D, Zhang B et al. (2008). Blood lead and cadmium levels and relevant factors among

children from an e-waste recycling town in China. Environ Res. 108(1):15–20. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2008.04.002.• Chen A, Dietrich KN, Huo X, Ho SM (2011). Developmental neurotoxicants in e-waste: an emerging health

concern. Environ Health Perspect. 119(4):431–438. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002452.• Lundgren K (2012). The global impact of e-waste: addressing the challenge. Geneva: International Labour


• Braun JM, Messerlian C, Hauser R (2017). Fathers matter: why it’s time to consider the impact of paternal environmental exposures on children’s health. Curr Epidemiol Rep. 4(1):46-55. doi:10.1007/s40471-017-0098-8.

• Zhao ZH, Schatten H, Sun QY (2017). Environmentally induced paternal epigenetic inheritance and its effects on offspring health. Reproductive and Developmental Medicine. 1(2):89-99. doi:10.4103/2096-2924.216862.

• Lewis SEM, Aitken RJ (2005). DNA damage to spermatozoa has impacts on fertil ization and pregnancy. Cell Tissue Res. 322(1):33-41. doi:10.1007/s00441-005-1097-5.

Image: • © WHO/Petterik Wiggers

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Routes of child exposure: Perinatal

Exposure to e-waste is long-lasting, with effects from childhood apparent in mothers and fathers:

• May affect spermatogenesis in males

• Deposited in bones and adipose tissues of females


A mother ’s contaminant intake and body burden

is transferred across the placenta and through

breast milk

Breast milk represents

“the very top of the food chain”




Notes:Studies in Guiyu, China, show that environmental pollution resulting from informal e-waste recycling activities may contribute to elevated exposure in populations l iving nearby.

High placental lead concentrations have been reported in studies of women residing near e-waste recycling areas, with positive correlations between Pb levels and both parents’ length of residence in the area and the father’s e-waste-related work. Prenatal lead exposure is associated with adverse outcomes (e.g. neurodevelopment alterations).

Exposure to e-waste recycling pollutants increased cadmium exposure in neonates, which was accompanied by increased placental metallothionein (MT) expression as cadmium is a potent inducer of MT synthesis. MT is a protein involved in zinc homeostasis and metabolism; thus, cadmium exposure due to e-waste may result in alterations in these functions.

Combustion of e-waste has been shown to result in high concentrations of PAHs in air, soil and sediment in Guiyu. Infants experienced adverse birth outcomes, correlated with prenatal exposure and fetal accumulation of toxic PAHs: benz[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chr), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP).

References:• Zheng L, Wu K, Li Y, Qi Z, Han D, Zhang B et al. (2008). Blood lead and cadmium levels and relevant factors among

children from an e-waste recycling town in China. Environ Res. 108(1):15–20. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2008.04.002.• Guo Y, Huo X, Li Y, Wu K, Liu J, Huang J et al. (2010). Monitoring of lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel in

placenta from an e-waste recycling town in China. Sci Total Environ. 408(16):3113–3117. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.04.018.

• Li Y, Huo X, Liu J, Peng L, Li W, Xu X (2011). Assessment of cadmium exposure for neonates in Guiyu, an electronic waste pollution site of China. Environ Monit Assess. 177(1-4):343–351. doi:10.1007/s10661-010-1638-6.

• Chen A, Dietrich KN, Huo X, Ho SM (2011). Developmental neurotoxicants in e-waste: an emerging health concern. Environ Health Perspect. 119(4):431–438. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002452.

• Guo Y, Huo X, Wu K, Liu J, Zhang Y, Xu X (2012). Carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in umbilical cord blood of human neonates from Guiyu, China. Sci Total Environ. 427-428:35–40. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.04.007.

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Evidence of perinatal exposure

• A significantly higher proportion of blood lead level >10 μg/dLand was found in residents of an e-waste recycling town in

comparison to a non-exposed neighbouring population

• High levels of placental and cord blood cadmium as well as their

downstream effects were significantly associated with environmental exposure to cadmium in an e-waste recycling

town

• Maternal PAH exposure in e-waste sites results in fetal accumulation of toxic PAHs and adverse effects on neonatal

health, particularly in reduced neonatal height and gestational

age



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Outline






Notes:Clarification of mixture effects is challenging in toxicology as interaction among substances can be additive due to simultaneous exposures. Known effects and interactions include:

Persistent organic pollutants and other chemicals from e-waste activities generate oxidative stress. They can also cause endocrine disruption and immune suppression.

Neurotoxic metals l ike Al, Hg, Mn and Pb found in e-waste and are emitted from burning and acid leaching. Exposure to metals can also lead to allergic reactions.

Antagonism with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a common mode of action for dioxin-like compounds, l ike PCDD/Fs, Dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) and PAHs. The toxic equivalency factor (TEF) is applied to dioxin-like substances (PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs) that share this common mode of action (AhR antagonism), although they differ in potency (dose-response curve).

Carcinogenic effects are associated with Cr(VI), As, and PAHs.

Many chemicals bioaccumulate, such that a multiple toxins may be present in the body and in food.

References:• Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE, Dragone R, Mantovani A (2010). Diagnostic health risk assessment of electronic waste on

the general population in developing countries scenarios. Environ Impact Assess Rev. 30(1):388-399. doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2009.12.004.

• Kiddee P, Naidu R, Wong MH (2013). Electronic waste management approaches: an overview. Waste Manag. 33(5):1237-50. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2013.01.006.

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20E-WASTE

Multiple toxic effects and interactions

Additive effects• POPs can cause:

• Oxidative stress• Endocrine disruption

• Immune suppression

• Metals can lead to:

• Allergic reactions

• Neurotoxicity – common target for Hg, Pb, Mn, Al

• AhR antagonism:

• PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, PAHs – common mode of action

• Carcinogenic potential:

• Cr(VI), As, PAHs

• Persistence and bioaccumulation in animals & products

• PCBs, BFRs

TOXICITY& HEALTH EFFECTS

Notes:Health effects include skin, stomach and respiratory disease. High rates of birth defects, infant mortality, tuberculosis, blood diseases, immune system anomalies, renal and respiratory malfunction, lung cancer, neurodevelopmental deficits in children and nervous and blood system damage affect e-waste workers. About 80% of children in Guiyu are estimated to suffer from respiratory diseases, and the number of leukaemia cases in the e-waste hotspot has increased. E-waste recycling activities have also been reported to contribute to elevated blood lead levels in children, skin damage, headaches, vertigo, nausea, chronic gastritis and gastric and duodenal ulcers.

References:• Sepúlveda A, Schluep M, Renaud FG, Streicher M, Kuehr R, Hagelüken C et al. (2010). A review of the


• Tsydenova O, Bengtsson M (2011). Chemical hazards associated with treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Waste Manag. 31(1):45–58. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2010.08.014.

• Lundgren K (2012). The global impact of e-waste: addressing the challenge. Geneva: International Labour Organization. (http://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_196105/lang--en/index.htm, accessed 23 October 2018).

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21E-WASTE

Multiple toxic effects on child health and development

• Neurodevelopmental deficits

• Damage to blood and cardiovascular systems

• Respiratory diseases

• Skin problems

• Gastric diseases

E-waste workers suffer high incidences of birth defects and infant

mortality



<<FIGURE CONTINUED ON NEXT SLIDE>>

Notes:This sl ide shows different neurotoxicants found in e-waste, which children living or working near e-waste sites may be chronically exposed to, often in combination. Arrows l ink neurotoxicants to their toxicological mechanisms in children. The following slide details how these mechanisms affect neurodevelopment.


concern. Environ Health Perspect. 119(4):431–438. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002452.

Figure:• Adapted from: Chen A, Dietrich KN, Huo X, Ho SM (2011). Developmental neurotoxicants in e-waste: an emerging

health concern. Environ Health Perspect. 119(4):431–438. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002452.

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Multiple neurotoxicants (1 of 2)




<<CONTINUED FROM LAST SLIDE>>

Notes:Neurotoxic interaction among many of the e-waste activities emissions, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.The previous sl ide showed the e-waste exposures that are l inked to each toxicological mechanism displayed. This diagram details how the neurotoxic interactions from those e-waste activity emissions result in neurodevelopmental outcomes.


concern. Environ Health Perspect. 119(4):431–438. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002452.

Figure: • Adapted from: Chen A, Dietrich KN, Huo X, Ho SM (2011). Developmental neurotoxicants in e-waste: an emerging

health concern. Environ Health Perspect. 119(4):431–438. doi:10.1289/ehp.1002452.

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23E-WASTE

Multiple neurotoxicants (2 of 2)




Notes:Grant et al. (2013) identified a total of 23 studies reporting associations between exposure to e-waste/WEEE and physical health outcomes, including: thyroid function, reproductive health, lung function, physical indexes, and alterations to normal cell functioning. Although all studies investigated the l inkbetween exposure to e-waste/WEEE and outcomes, the chemical components of e-waste/WEEE analyzed differed between studies and included: PBDEs, PCDD/F, PAHs, PCBs (including dioxin-like PCBs), PFAs, and chemical elements (Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni). Outcomes were reported from Southeast China, from Guiyu, Taizhou and Luqiao. Ecological, informal and formal exposure routes were involved.

References:

• Grant K, Goldizen FC, Sly PD, Bruné MN, Neira M, van den Berg M et al. (2013). Health consequences of exposure to e-waste: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health. 1(6):e350-61. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70101-3.

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Health outcomesA systematic review by WHO and WHO collaborating centres

• Alterations in thyroid function

• Associations between lung function and exposure to chromium and nickel

• Adverse birth outcomes

• Preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth and congenital

malformations

• Decrease in height and weight

• Behavioural alterations

• DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes


Notes:The toxicity of many individual substances found in e-waste is well documented, however, the toxicity of the mixtures of substances l ikely to be encountered through e-waste recycling is less well known.

Effects of chemicals depend upon i) toxicity, i i) dose, i i i) timing and iv) amount of exposure, and could be cumulative through generations.

References:• Perkins DN, Bruné Drisse MN, Nxele T, Sly PD (2014). E-waste: a global hazard. Ann Glob Health. 80(4):286-

95. doi:10.1016/j.aogh.2014.10.001.• van den Hazel P, Stauffer A (2012). Children and environmental health. In: Clouder C, Heys B, Matthes M, Sullivan

P, editors. Improving the quality of childhood in Europe 2012, volume 3. East Sussex, UK: European Council for Steiner Waldorf Education / All iance for Childhood European Network Group. (http://ecswe.net/qoc-vol3/, accessed 25 October 2018).

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Summary: What we know so far

Evidence of:

• Contamination and exposure

• Toxic effects among exposed populations

But physical health outcomes are secondary to a mixture of

chemical exposures (“cocktail effect”) that:

• Depend on toxicity, dosage, timing and amount of exposure

• May be cumulative and intergenerational

• May include long-term consequences and disabilities


http://ecswe.net/qoc-vol3/

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26E-WASTE

Outline






Notes:Guiyu had been described as the largest e-waste recycling site in the world. About 100 000 people were employed in this activity, representing about 80% of the town’s population.People engaged in recycling processed about 2 Mt of e-waste per year, often using informal and uncontrolled methods. Recycling activities included manual dismantling, circuit board baking, gold acid bathing, and burning of cables and plastic. Children were directly exposed during the recycling processes and consistently while l iving near contaminated sites.

In 2011-2012, the family workshops were closed and a centralized dismantling area built. E-waste could no longer be dismantled in residential areas and had to be dismantled in the prescribed centralized dismantling area. See photos of remediation on slide 50. Since that time, the environment has visibly improved.

References:• Leung A, Cai ZW, Wong MH (2006). Environmental contamination from electronic waste recycling at Guiyu,

southeast China. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag. 8(1):21–33. doi:10.1007/s10163-005-0141-6.

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27E-WASTECASE STUDIES

Case study: Guiyu, China

• The town of Guiyu in China is the most studied e-waste hotspot.

• E-waste was processed through informal recycling with

uncontrolled methods.

• About 100 000 people were engaged in this activity,

including 5500 individual family workshops.

• Children were exposed to e-waste hazards during recycling activities and while living near contaminated

sites.

Notes:Informal recycling is related to environmental pollution and human exposure.Evidence of environmental contamination is shown in several studies performed in Guiyu. Soils and plants are highly contaminated with toxic PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs and heavy metals. A recent study showed that geometric mean concentrations of PM2.5, Pb and Cd were higher in Guiyu than concentrations in the reference area. The metal concentrations in PM2.5 from Guiyu were also higher when compared to concentrations in other Asian cities. Higher levels of metals were found in cord blood of newborns and also in children exposed to e-waste in Guiyu, compared to levels found in neighbour populations.

References:

• Alabi OA, Bakare AA, Xu X, Li B, Zhang Y, Huo X (2012). Comparative evaluation of environmental contamination and DNA damage induced by electronic-waste in Nigeria and China. Sci Total Environ. 423:62-72. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.01.056.

• Zhang S, Xu X, Wu Y, Ge J, Li W, Huo X (2014). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in residential and agricultural soils from an electronic waste polluted region in South China: distribution, compositional profile, and sources.Chemosphere. 102:55-60. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.020.

• Huo X, Peng L, Xu X, Zheng L, Qiu B, Qi Z et al. (2007). Elevated blood lead levels of children in Guiyu, an electronic waste recycling town in China. Environ Health Perspect. 115(7):1113–1117. doi:10.1289/ehp.9697.

• Guo Y, Huo X, Li Y, Wu K, Liu J, Huang J et al. (2010). Monitoring of lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel in placenta from an e-waste recycling town in China. Sci Total Environ. 408(16):3113–3117. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.04.018.

• Li Y, Huo X, Liu J, Peng L, Li W, Xu X (2011). Assessment of cadmium exposure for neonates in Guiyu, an electronic waste pollution site of China. Environ Monit Assess. 177(1-4):343–351. doi:10.1007/s10661-010-1638-6.

• Xu X, Chen X, Zhang J, Guo P, Fu T, Dai Y, et al. (2015). Decreased blood hepatitis B surface antibody levels l inked to e-waste lead exposure in preschool children. J Hazard Mater. 298:122–128. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.05.020.

Images:

• © Xia Huo

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Informal recycling in Guiyu


Notes:Residents of Guiyu have reported that their children suffer from breathing ailments, skin infections, hair loss, tumours, headaches and stomach diseases.

Reference:• Leung A, Cai ZW, Wong MH (2006). Environmental contamination from electronic waste recycling at Guiyu,

southeast China. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag. 8(1):21–33. doi:10.1007/s10163-005-0141-6.

Images:• © Xia Huo

29


Health Effects

Notes:Children from Guiyu were found to have elevated blood lead levels relative to children in a reference group. Levels have dropped since remediation in 2011-2012.

References:• Zeng X, Xu X, Zheng X, Reponen T, Chen A, Huo X (2016). Heavy metals in PM2.5 and in blood, and children's

respiratory symptoms and asthma from an e-waste recycling area. Environ Pollut. 210:346-53. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.025.

• Dai Y, Huo X, Zhang Y, Yang T, Li M, Xu X (2017). Elevated lead levels and changes in blood morphology and erythrocyte CR1 in preschool children from an e-waste area. Sci Total Environ. 592:51-59. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.080.

• Xu X, Liao W, Lin Y, Dai Y, Shi Z, Huo X (2017). Blood concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury and their association with biomarkers of DNA oxidative damage in preschool children living in an e-waste recycling area. Environ Geochem Health. 40(4):1481-1494. doi:10.1007/s10653-017-9997-3.

• Lu X, Xu X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Wang C, Huo X (2018). Elevated inflammatory Lp-PLA2 and IL-6 l ink e-waste Pbtoxicity to cardiovascular risk factors in preschool children. Environ Pollut. 234:601-609. doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.094.

• Liu Y, Huo X, Xu L, Wei X, Wu W, Wu X et al. (2018). Hearing loss in children with e-waste lead and cadmium exposure. Sci Total Environ. 624:621-627. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.091.

Images:• © Xia Huo

Figure:• © Xia Huo

30


Elevated blood lead levels in children

Notes:Accra, population 4 mill ion, is the capital of Ghana and the country’s largest hub for industry, infrastructure and manufacturing. It is also home to Agbogbloshie scrap market, the main centre for materials recovery from e-waste that is increasingly making its way to West Africa. The young men who carry out most of this work do so with rudimentary tools and without protective equipment.

Reference: • Asante KA, Agusa T, Biney CA, Agyekum WA, Bello M, Otsuka M et al. (2012). Multi-trace element levels and

arsenic speciation in urine of e-waste recycling workers from Agbogbloshie, Accra in Ghana. Sci Total Envir. 424:63–73. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.02.072.

Photos:• © Federico Magalini. Cables burning activities in Agbogbloshie. Used with copyright permission.

31


Case study: Agbogbloshie, Ghana

Agbogbloshie scrap market, located in Accra, is the main

centre for the recovery of materials from e-waste.

Much of this activity is carried out by young men, mostly

using rudimentary tools and no protective equipment.

Notes:Studies suggest that e-waste workers in Agbogbloshie are exposed to multi-trace elements through their work.

Urine samples taken from e-waste recycling workers in Agbogbloshie were found to have significantly higherconcentrations of iron, antimony and lead compared to levels in a reference site, after controlling for age effects.

Personal air samples collected from e-waste workers exceeded guidelines for aluminium, copper, iron and lead.These guidelines, Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) determined by the American Conference of Governmental IndustrialHygienists (ACGIH), are widely used and based on time-weighted averages. Environmental air samples also exceededUS Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for lead, the only element with an ambient air guideline.

Of 100 soil samples taken at Agbogbloshie, more than half (56) were above US EPA standards for lead in soil. 84samples exceeded US EPA standards for lead in soil in children’s play areas.

Blood calcium and lead levels in Agbogbloshie e-waste workers has also been found to be higher than levels inbackground populations. Blood lead levels for 67.2% of those sampled also exceeded the US CDC/NIOSH guideline.Urinary arsenic from the same e-waste workers was also found to be elevated compared to refer ence populations;levels in 39% of those sampled also exceeded the US ATSDR guideline for arsenic in urine.

References:• Caravanos J, Clark E, Fuller R, Lambertson C (2011). Assessing worker and environmental chemical exposure risks

at an e-waste recycling and disposal site in Accra, Ghana. J Health Pollution. 1(1):16-25. doi:10.5696/2156-9614-1-1.16.

• Asante KA, Agusa T, Biney CA, Agyekum WA, Bello M, Otsuka M et al. (2012). Multi-trace element levels and arsenic speciation in urine of e-waste recycling workers from Agbogbloshie, Accra in Ghana. Sci Total Envir. 424:63–73. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.02.072.

• Srigboh RK, Basu N, Stephens J, Asampong E, Perkins M, Neitzel RL et al. (2016). Multiple elemental exposures amongst workers at the Agbogbloshie electronic waste (e-waste) site in Ghana. Chemospher. 164:68-74. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.089.

32


Agbogbloshie, continued

• Concentrations of Fe, Sb and Pb in urine of e-waste workers were significantly higher than those in reference

sites

• Personal air samples collected from e-waste workers and

the environment revealed levels of Al, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn above ACGIH TLV guidelines and US EPA standards.

• Of 100 soil samples taken, more than half exceeded US

EPA standards for lead in soil.

• Blood Cd and Pb levels, as well as urinary As levels, in

e-waste workers were higher than those in reference populations

https://doi.org/10.5696/2156-9614-1-1.16

Notes:In Uruguay, open cable burning has been performed for over a decade in order to obtain copper from e-waste. Montevideo, the capital, is the site of more than half of burning activities in the country. Burning is a significant source of lead exposure, which is especially harmful to children and adolescents employed in primitive recycling procedures and l iving nearby.

A study performed in Montevideo analysed the blood lead levels of children and adolescents in low income families exposed to lead through burning cable activities.

Reference:• Pascale A, Sosa A, Bares C, Battocletti A, Moll MJ, Pose D et al. (2016). E-waste informal recycling: an emerging

source of lead exposure in South America. Ann Glob Health. 82(1):197–201. doi:10.1016/j.aogh.2016.01.016.

Images: • © Amalia Laborde. Cables and circuit boards burning in an urban zone of Montevideo. Used with copyright

permission.

33


Case study: Montevideo, Uruguay

Open cable burning in order to obtain copper is

a significant source of lead exposure, especially

harmful to children and

adolescents who participate in these

activities

Notes:The study of 69 children and adolescents showed an average blood lead level (9.19 µg/dL) that exceeded the current CDC-recommended level (5µg/dL) suggesting the need for medical intervention. The highest lead levels were found among the youngest children, possibly related to their habits and hand-to-mouth behaviour.

Soil lead levels measured for 40 of the study participants (mean 7103.48 mg/kg) were above the US EPA standard for lead in soil in children’s play areas (400 mg/kg). A significant association was found between higher BLLs and high soil lead levels, supporting an indirect environmental exposure pathway for children.

Reference:• Pascale A, Sosa A, Bares C, Battocletti A, Moll MJ, Pose D et al. (2016). E-waste informal recycling: an emerging

source of lead exposure in South America. Ann Glob Health. 82(1):197–201. doi:10.1016/j.aogh.2016.01.016.

34


Montevideo, continued

• Blood lead levels among children and adolescent exceeded the limit for medical intervention.

• Highest lead levels were found among the youngest

children.

• Soil lead levels exceeded the US EPA standard for lead in

soil in children’s play areas.

• There was a significant association between higher BLLs and high soil lead levels.

35

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Outline






Notes: This photo captures a scene of waste management from Brazil. In Brazil, many cities rely on informal recycler’s associations based on neighbourhood. Living and recycling spaces are one and the same, and children play, pass through and spend their vacations in these areas following their parents. Many of these places receive raw material, without prior separation, as can be seen in the photo.

Image: • © Ana Maria Carmadelo

36

36

Notes:Long-lasting low dose exposure may cause disease after many years. There is high evidence of the toxicity of chemicals involved in e-waste contamination.Social vulnerability exists in the genesis and persistence of exposure.

Concern over e-waste has been viewed as a growing problem for around 15 years. In 2006, the Eighth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP8) of the Basel Convention adopted the Nairobi ministerial declaration on the environmentally sound management of electronic and electrical waste.

Two major categories of interventions are management of existing e-waste exposures and prevention of future exposures. Health care providers can play a major role in both categories: by screening target populations for exposures, taking the environmental history, posing key questions about e-waste, and monitoring environmental exposure results for management; and by advocating for the adoption of international agreements, championing national policy initiatives, and promoting good e-waste practices on the local level for prevention.

References:• Sepúlveda A, Schluep M, Renaud FG, Streicher M, Kuehr R, Hagelüken C et al. (2010). A review of the



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MANAGEMENT& PREVENTION

Challenges to tackling e-waste

• Information still limited

• Greatest vulnerability in children

• Effects through a mixture of chemicals and mechanisms

• Long-lasting and cumulative effects that may cause

disease after many years

• High levels of toxicity in e-waste contamination

• Social vulnerability


Notes:The evaluation of the interventions require baseline and post-intervention data. Environmental monitors in the form of hand-held devices are fast and efficient. Levels of contamination in soil, water, and air should be measured.Monitoring should include PM2.5, metals, POPs and PAHs. Occupational monitoring includes working space air and dust measurement, depending on recycling conditions.

Continued on next slide with biomonitoring

References:• Heacock M, Trottier B, Adhikary S, Asante KA, Basu N, Brune MN, Caravanos J et al. (2018). Prevention-

intervention strategies to reduce exposure to e-waste. Rev Environ Health. 33(2):219-228. doi:10.1515/reveh-2018-0014.

• Dowling R, Feola G, Laborde A, Gualtero S, Hernandez L (2016). Reducing blood lead levels in children exposed to electronic waste recycling in Montevideo. 82(3):442. doi:http://doi.org/10.29024/j.aogh.2016.04.223.

Photo:• © Hugo González. Lead monitoring in soil . Montevideo, Uruguay. Used with copyright permission.

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Monitoring exposure

• Perform in workplace and surroundings

• Use pre and post

intervention

• Take advantage of hand held

devices

• Include occupational, environmental and biological monitoring

• Environmental monitoring: soil, water, air (PM2.5,

metals, POPs, PAHs)

• Occupational monitoring: workplace air and dust

http://doi.org/10.29024/j.aogh.2016.04.223

Notes:Epidemiological studies using biomarkers or chemical identification have given some guidance for public health interventions, although not all chemicals identified in e-waste have threshold values or reference levels. This table features several examples. Except for lead exposure, biomarkers are not good tools for individual diagnosis but can be used to confirm exposure. Moreover, identified pollutants may be difficult to measure in biological samples due to technical reasons (very low levels of detection, very expensive technology).

References: • ATSDR (2012). ToxGuideTM for cadmium. Atlanta: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

(www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-5.pdf, accessed 1 November 2018). • CDC (2018). Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, Updated Tables, March

2018. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . (https://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/index.html , accessed 1 November 2018).

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Biomonitoring

Pollutants may be difficult to measure in developing countries

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxguides/toxguide-5.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/index.html

Notes:Screening should be performed on populations at risk of e-waste exposure: recyclers, their families, and those l iving in nearby communities. There are many different epidemiological contexts, regions and countries, which screening should be tailored to.

Target sites where there is:• Evidence of contamination in the form of history/data, e.g. home visits or environmental and occupational

monitoring• Medical records, e.g. paediatric environmental history, “green page” [see next slide]• Information on e-waste exposure from questionnaires, such as workers, those living in home recycling sites, and

those living adjacent to e-waste sites

Different clinical tools are available to risk assessment(e.g. paediatric environmental history, screening questionnaires).

Image: • © WHO/EURO

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Targeted screening

• Consider epidemiological context

• Identify contaminated sites

• Target screening based on:

• Evidence of contamination

• Medical records

• Screening questionnaires related to e-waste

recycling/dismantling

activities

Notes:The paediatric environmental history (PEH) is a set of questions – part of the standard medical history – that focuses on the different environments of the child. It is both a tool (set of questions) and an opportunity for interaction.

A tool for:• identifying and assessing children’s exposure to environmental threats in the different places (e.g. e-waste).• responding with the right therapeutic and preventive measures – as only a good knowledge of potential sources

of exposure will guide an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment.• increasing the knowledge base – as the data collected in a harmonized manner, with controlled terminology and

definitions will generate a valuable database of knowledge and facil itate research.

Reference:• WHO (2008). The paediatric environmental history: a tool for health care providers [training module]. Geneva:

World health Organization. (http://www.who.int/ceh/capacity/paedenvhistory/en/, accessed 1 November 2018).

Image: • © WHO/CEH

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The Paediatric Environmental HistoryA role for health care providers

• Incorporate the “green page” into the standard

medical history

• Include questions

regarding e-waste disposal, recycling, recovery and

open burning

• When visiting homes,

observe e-waste processes, dumping sites and ashes

from past burning

http://www.who.int/ceh/capacity/paedenvhistory/en/

Notes:Key questions can be asked by health care providers

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Key questionsThat health care providers can ask

• Do you know about any pollution problems in your neighbourhood?

• Do you know if cables or other materials are burned

nearby?

• Does anyone recycle electrical or electronic devices in

your home or surroundings?

• Do any of your neighbours or even house mates have elevated blood lead levels?

Notes:Government agencies may test local soil, water and food for e-waste exposures; be aware of these resultsUse the green page to look out for local e-waste activities.

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Health monitoringFor health care providers to follow

• Be aware of monitoring results performed by government agencies

• Examine key questions in medical records in order to

detect indoor or backyard recycling activities

• Track the results of biomonitoring for hazardous

chemicals identified in e-waste streams

• Contact Poison Control Centres or PaediatricEnvironmental Units for toxicosurveillance

Notes:Because of the potential for long-term damage to critical structures such as the nervous system, immune system and endocrine system, prevention of all exposure events, as well as exposure to low doses during development is a high priority for ensuring children’s environmental health. There are many steps that can be taken at the local/practice level, national/government level and international treaty/trade levels to decrease exposures to toxic chemicals and prevent related il lnesses.

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What can be done to prevent child e-waste exposure?

Notes:Various international legislative efforts try to control the movements of hazardous substances between continents and countries including the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (1989), the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (1998), the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001) and the Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013).

The Basel Convention controls the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. It is a comprehensive environmental agreement in relation to tackling the issues surrounding e-waste and its management. In 2018, the Basel Convention had 187 parties, and 14 Basel Convention Regional and Coordinating Centres have been established for capacity building and technology transfer.

The Rotterdam Convention promotes shared responsibility and cooperation between countries in the international trade of hazardous chemicals, including banned or controlled pesticides and industrial chemicals, in order to protect human health and the environment. As of 2018, there were 161 parties to the Rotterdam Convention.

The Stockholm Convention requires parties to eliminate production of and restrict import and export of persistent organic pollutants. As of 2018, there were 182 parties to the Stockholm Convention.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. It was agreed at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on mercury in Geneva, Switzerland in January2013, and adopted later that year in October 2013 at a Diplomatic Conference (Conference of Plenipotentiaries), held in Kumamoto, Japan. As of 2018, there are 101 parties to the Minamata Convention.

References:• Secretariat of the Basel Convention (2018). Basel convention [website]. Geneva: Secretariat of the Basel

Convention. (http://www.basel.int/, accessed 12 November 2018). • Rotterdam Convention Secretariat (2018). Rotterdam convention [website]. Rome, Geneva: Rotterdam

Convention Secretariat, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, United Nations Environment Programme. (http://www.pic.int/, accessed 12 November 2018).

• Secretariat of the Stockhom Convention (2018). Stockholm Convention [website]. Geneva: Secretariat of the

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Global level: International agreements and tools for action

Basel Convention, 1989

• Control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and

their disposal

Rotterdam Convention, 1998

• Prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous

chemicals and pesticides in international trade

Stockholm Convention, 2001

• Measures to reduce or eliminate the release of POPs into the environment

Minamata Convention, 2013

• Treaty to reduce mercury emissions and releases of mercury and

mercury compounds

http://www.basel.int/

http://www.pic.int/TheConvention/Overview/TextoftheConvention/tabid/1048/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Stockholm Convention. (http://chm.pops.int/Home/tabid/2121/Default.aspx, accessed 12 November 2018).

• Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury (2018). Minamata convention on mercury [website]. Geneva: Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. (http://www.mercuryconvention.org/, accessed 12 November 2018).


45

http://chm.pops.int/Home/tabid/2121/Default.aspx

http://www.mercuryconvention.org/


Notes:The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) e-waste program aims to develop environmentally sound e-waste recycling industries in developing countries, promoting environmental service in local and regional e-waste facil ities. To this end, UNIDO partners with private and public sector institutions and also prepares national e-waste assessment reports.

The Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) Initiative began in 2004 as a multi-stakeholder platform with the overall aim to address global e-waste challenges. With members from industry, governments, international organizations, NGOs and academia, StEP initiates and facilitates approaches towards the sustainable handling of e-waste through a five task force design approach: (1) policy and legislation, (2) redesign, (3) reuse, (4) recycle, and (5) capacity building. The StEP Initiative is coordinated by a Secretariat hosted by the UN’s academic arm, the United Nations University.

The Sixty-third World Health Assembly, convened in 2010, approved resolution WHA63.25 Improvement of health through safe and environmentally sound waste management. This resolution urged Member States to assess health aspects of waste management and supported greater awareness, improved cooperation and increased capacity in e-waste management.

The Geneva Declaration on E-waste and Children’s Health was issued in 2013 to state that scientific information is sufficient to support a concern about the improper management of e-waste and its adverse health effects, including to vulnerable populations and not l imited to occupationally exposed individuals.

In 2013 WHO launched the E-Waste and Child Health Initiative aiming at protecting children and their families from detrimental health consequences due to e-waste. UN agencies in collaboration with partners at country level are working towards improving product design, reducing consumption, establishing official e-waste collection, controll ing trans-boundary movements of e-waste and implementing safe recycling of e-waste.

References:• UNIDO (2017). Electronic waste (e-waste): threat and opportunity [website]. Vienna: United Nations Industrial

Development Organization. (https://www.unido.org/our-focus/advancing-economic-competitiveness/investing-technology-and-innovation/competitiveness-business-environment-and-upgrading/information-and-communications-technology/programmes/electronic-waste, accessed 1 November 2018).

• StEP (2018). Solving the e-waste problem [website]. Bonn: United Nations University – StEP Initiative.

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Examples of international initiatives

• UNIDO Electronic Waste Initiative

• Solving the E-Waste Problem

• Geneva Declaration on E-waste and Children’s Health

• World Health Assembly Resolution on Improvement of health

through safe and environmentally sound waste management

• E-waste and Child Health Initiative (WHO, 2013)

https://www.unido.org/our-focus/advancing-economic-competitiveness/investing-technology-and-innovation/competitiveness-business-environment-and-upgrading/information-and-communications-technology/programmes/electronic-waste

(http://www.step-initiative.org, accessed 1 November 2018). • WHO (2010). Resolution WHA63.25. Improvement of health through safe and environmentally

sound waste management. In: Sixty-third World Health Assembly, Geneva, 17-21 May 2010. Geneva: World Health Organization. (http://apps.who.int/gb/or/e/e_wha63r1.html , accessed 1 November 2018).

• Alabaster G, Asante K, Bergman A, Birnbaum L, Bruné MN et al. (2013). The Geneva declaration on e-waste and children’s health. WHO working meeting on e-waste and child health, 11–12 June 2013, Geneva, Switzerland. (https://child-health-research.centre.uq.edu.au/e-waste-network, accessed 17 December 2018).

• WHO (2017). Children’s environmental health: electronic waste [website]. Geneva: World Health Organization. (http://www.who.int/ceh/risks/ewaste/en/, accessed 1 November 2018).

Image: • © WHO/SEARO

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http://www.step-initiative.org/

http://apps.who.int/gb/or/e/e_wha63r1.html

https://child-health-research.centre.uq.edu.au/e-waste-network

http://www.who.int/ceh/risks/ewaste/en/

Notes:Examples of approaches that could be taken at a national level include:• Reducing chemicals in EEE -- Certain chemicals have been phased out from electronic equipment (e.g., PCBs used

as dielectric fluid and plastics are prohibited in OECD countries), although they stil l can be found in e-waste from past generation of electronic devices.

• Maximizing design -- The criteria for green design include factors such as reducing toxicity and energy use, streamlining product weight and materials and identifying opportunities for easier reuse of components and materials.

References:• Tsydenova O, Bengtsson M (2011). Chemical hazards associated with treatment of waste electrical and electronic

equipment. Waste Manag. 31(1):45–58. doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2010.08.014.• ILO (2014). Tackling informality in e-waste management: the potential of cooperative enterprises. Geneva:

International Labour Organization. (https://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_315228/lang--en/index.htm, accessed 1 November 2018).

• McCann D, Wittmann A (2015). E-waste prevention, take-back system design and policy approaches. Step green paper series. Bonn: Step Initiative. (http://www.step-initiative.org/white-and-green-papers.html, accessed 1 November 2018).

• OECD (2018). Decision-Recommendation of the Council on Further Measures for the Protection of the Environment by Control of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, OECD/LEGAL/0230. Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (https://legalinstruments.oecd.org/en/instruments/OECD-LEGAL-0230, accessed 17 December 2018).

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National level

• Reduce toxicity

• Phase out specific chemicals from EEE

• Identify e-waste streams and regulate waste management and

recycling

• Implement standards, actions and programmes on e-waste toxicant exposures

• Reduce and reuse waste policies

• “ Take back” programs

• Design maximized for durability, repairability and reusability

• Eradicate child labour within e-waste

https://www.ilo.org/sector/Resources/publications/WCMS_315228/lang--en/index.htm

http://www.step-initiative.org/white-and-green-papers.html

https://legalinstruments.oecd.org/en/instruments/OECD-LEGAL-0230

Notes:Prevention depends on local government, operators of recycling services, on community participation together with national, regional, and global initiatives.

At the formal occupational setting, it is important to invest in engineering control (dust control, cleaning methods, ventilation and air extraction, toxic solvents replacement),work practice (training, safe work practice, medical surveil lance) and personal protective equipment (PPE): resistant gloves, footwear, body protection, respiratory protection (particulate and chemical gas respirator).

At the informal recycling setting, certain activities should be phased out. Local initiatives include “substitution” of hazardous practices: Agbogbloshie (Ghana), Manila (Phillipines), and remediation of adjacent recycling areas to prevent indirect exposure.

Reference:• Heacock M, Kelly CB, Asante KA, Birnbaum LS, Bergman A, Bruné Drisse MN et al. (2016). E-waste and harm to

vulnerable populations: a growing global problem. Environ Health Perspect. 124(5):550–555. doi:10.1289/ehp.1509699.

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Local level

• Promote good practices in waste management, the process of recovery and recycling

• Invest in better solutions and tools for recyclability and

ease of disassembly

• Train workers in formal and informal e-waste settings

• Educate the community

• Substitute hazardous practices

• Clean up and remediate contaminated sites or hot spots

Notes:Local initiatives include “substitution” of hazardous practice.

At the Agbogbloshie scrap metal site in Ghana, young workers recovered metals from e-waste by manually disassembling and burning computer wires and refrigerator coils, using old car tires as fuel for fire. Without protective equipment, workers were exposed to lead, smoke and air pollution. Nearby communities were also exposed to pollution due to these hazardous e-waste practices.

In 2014, a pilot project introduced wire stripping machines that allowed workers to remove plastic encasements from wires without burning it. A small number of machines was first piloted in order to allow workers to train and understand the benefits of using this equipment rather than burning. After the initial phase, more machines were purchased and more workers trained.

It was found that machines were effective for larger wires but less so for small ones, so that more comprehensive machines were needed. One such machine purchased later for the site was a granulator and separator, which is able to effectively chop small wires, then separate and sort metal from plastic coating. The intervention adapted to the conditions of the site as improvements became clear over time.

Reference:

• Pure Earth (2015). Ghana (Agbogbloshie) – e-waste recycling [website]. New York: Pure Earth. (http://www.pureearth.org/project/agbobloshie-e-waste/, accessed 1 November 2018).

Image: • © Antonio Pascale. Wire stripping machine at the WEEE Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Used with copyright

permission.

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A harm reduction approach: Examples

Substitution of

hazardous practices

• Use of wire stripping

machines

http://www.pureearth.org/project/agbobloshie-e-waste/

Notes:In 2011-2012, family workshop e-waste sites in Guiyu were closed and a central dismantling area was built. The environment has improved greatly since that time.

Reference:• Stanway D (2018). China trash town's cleanup bolstered by import ban. Reuters. 23 January 2018.

(https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-environment-waste-insight/china-trash-towns-cleanup-bolstered-by-import-ban-idUSKBN1FD043, accessed 17 December 2018).

Images:

• © Xia Huo.

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Environmental remediation in Guiyu

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-environment-waste-insight/china-trash-towns-cleanup-bolstered-by-import-ban-idUSKBN1FD043

Notes:Children exposed to lead from contaminated e-waste sites in Montevideo were found to have elevated blood lead levels. The Blacksmith Institute then trained the city government to assess and remediate lead-contaminated sites. This included removing contaminated soil and replacing with clean soil as pictured in the Aquiles Lanzeneighborhood. Remediation of contaminated recycling areas can prevent children’s indirect exposures to e-waste.

Reference:• Pure Earth (2015). Uruguay (Montevideo) – micro toxic hotspots [website]. New York: Pure Earth.

(http://www.pureearth.org/project/montevideo-hotspots/, accessed 1 November 2018).

Images:

• © Darío Pose. Remediation of contaminated sites (“hot spots”) related to informal e-waste recycling activities. IMM – UPA – GAHP – Pure Earth Uruguay Intervention. Used with copyright permission.

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Remediation of contaminated sites

http://www.pureearth.org/project/montevideo-hotspots/

Image:• © WHO/Tania Habjouqa

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Health care providers play a key role in e-waste initiatives

• Promoting interventions to

prevent, reduce and mitigate exposure

• Guiding surveillance and epidemiological

vigilance for related acute and chronic

illness

• Working with guidelines and treatment protocols

• Educating other health care professionals

• Promoting policies for the safe management of e -waste

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Acknowledgements for current version

Initial edits by Kathy Prout (WHO)

Reviewers: Antonio Pascale, MD (Uruguay), Amalia Laborde (Uruguay), Thiago Herick de Sa (WHO), Julia Gorman (WHO Intern).

Final review, technical and copy-editing: Gloria Chen (WHO Consultant)

WHO CEH training project coordinator: Marie-Noël Bruné Drisse (WHO)

WHO is grateful to the ISDE for organizing the working meeting of the Training Package in 2016.

This publication was made possible with financial support from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany.

Update: May 2019

Design by L’IV Com Sarl, Villars-sous-Yens, Switzerland.

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Acknowledgements from past versions

WHO is grateful to the US EPA Office of Children’s Health Protection for financial support that made this project possible and for some of the data, graphics and text used in preparing these materials for a broad audience. Further support was kindly provided by the UK Department of Health.

First draft prepared by Amalia Laborde, MD (Uruguay).

With the advice of the Working Group Members on the Training Package for the Health Sector: Cristina Alonzo MD (Uruguay); Yona Amitai MD MPH (Israel); Stephan Boese-O’Reilly MD MPH (Germany); Stephania Borgo MD (ISDE, Italy); Irena Buka MD (Canada); Ernesto Burgio (ISDE, Italy); Lilian Corra MD (Argentina); Ligia Fruchtengarten MD (Brazil); Amalia Laborde MD (Uruguay); Jenny Pronczuk MD (WHO) Christian Schweizer TO (WHO/EURO); Kathy Shea MD (USA).

Reviewers: Aya Okada, MSc (Japan), Aimin Chen MD PhD (US), Ruth Etzel MD PhD (US), Innocent Chidi Nnorom PhD (Nigeria), Irena Buka MD (Canada), Christin Duffert (WHO Intern), David Seligson(ILO), Kwadwo A. Asante (Ghana), Phil Landrigan MD MSc (US), Antonio Pascale MD (Uruguay), LiliánCorra MD (Argentina), David Carpenter MD (US), Fernando Díaz-Barriga PhD (Mexico), Brenda Eskenazi MA PhD (US), Michelle Heacock PhD (US), Jinhui Li MS PhD (China), Peter Sly MD (Australia), Ruediger Kuehr PhD (UNU), Heidelore Fiedler PhD (UNEP), Matthias Kern PhD (UNEP-SBC).

Editing Assistance: Kathy Prout (WHO)

WHO CEH Training Project Coordination: Marie-Noel Bruné, MSc

Suggested citation:• WHO (2019). Electrical/electronic waste and children’s health. In: WHO training package for the health sector:

children’s health and the environment. Geneva: World Health Organization. (WHO/CED/PHE/EPE/19.12.09; https://www.who.int/ceh/capacity/training_modules/en/).

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