Metal exposure of workers during recycling of electronic waste: a cross-sectional study in sheltered workshops in Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In Germany, the initial step of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling frequently takes place in sheltered workshops for physically and mentally handicapped workers (Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen (WfbM), in german language). E-waste recycling involves a potential risk of exposure to toxic metals. Therefore, we assessed the occupational exposure of recycling workers to toxic metals to identify potential health risks and insufficient protective measures.

Methods

We used a combined air- and bio-monitoring approach to determine exposure of recycling workers to toxic metals. Air and urine samples were collected in five sheltered workshops in Germany and were analysed for their content of aluminium, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, mercury an

SUBMITTER: Gerding J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8238705 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature