Abstract

LECHUGA VAZQUEZ, Paula  and  PAREDES RIZO, M.ª Luisa. PBDEs exposure and biological effects on e-waste recycling workers: a systematic review. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2014, vol.60, n.237, pp.685-713. ISSN 1989-7790.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0465-546X2014000400008.

Introduction: PBDEs are potentially dangerous substances released during the e-waste recycling processes. Scientific evidence relates PBDEs with adverse health outcomes like cancer, endocrine disruptions and problems in the offspring. A high concentration of PBDEs has been found on biological samples (serum, hair, breast milk and umbilical cord) from exposed workers, so their exposure could imply a potential risk on workers' health. Aim: To summarize the evidence between exposure to PBDEs contained in e-waste and adverse health outcomes on recycling industry workers. Materials and methods: A systematic review was done among the scientific literature published between 2003 and 2013 in seven data bases using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Results: 301 articles were evaluated and 20 were included in the review. 65% were from China, 80% had a cross-sectional design. We assessed evidence of association between exposure to e-waste and levels of PBDEs in several biological samples. Workers showed high levels in the DNA damage markers. The effects from the exposure to PBDEs on the thyroid function were not consistent. Conclusions: Findings from most studies shows a correlation between the exposure to PBDEs and the alteration of the biological parameters on the recycling industry workers, but our ability to assess temporality associations was limited by the small number of prospective and longitudinal studies. Conventional industrial hygiene improvements in e-waste recycling facilities may reduce the exposure on workers to PBDEs.

Keywords : PBDEs; e-waste; occupational exposure.

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