Self-Reported Health and Metal Body Burden in an Electronic Waste Recycling Community in Northeastern Thailand.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE This study aims to summarize e-waste worker health; examine associations between health and sociodemographic characteristics; and metal body burden. METHODS In 2016, 131 e-waste recycling workers were enrolled in the study, completed a questionnaire, and gave blood and urine samples for heavy metal concentration assessment (lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel). The relationship between symptoms, general health, and metals is assessed via generalized estimating equation models (adjusted for age, education, sex, and village). RESULTS Cadmium in blood and copper in serum were most consistently associated with higher odds of poor health and prevalence of symptoms. We found inconsistent results between general health, symptom severity and urinary nickel. Higher blood lead levels (BLL) were associated with fewer self-reported symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to certain metals in e-waste recycling communities may adversely impact health status.