Milken Institute School of Public Health Poster Presentations (Marvin Center & Video)
Community Exposure to E-waste Pollutants in Developing Countries and Associated Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Poster Number
39
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
3-2016
Abstract
As global production and consumption of electronic goods continues to increase, there becomes a growing need to examine e-waste management and health implications associated with prolonged exposure to e-waste pollutants. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the association between exposure to e-waste pollutants and adverse health outcomes in developing countries, in those residing in towns with e-waste sites compared to those residing in towns without e-waste sites. A comprehensive search for original research using Scopus and PubMed databases was conducted on the association between e-waste toxicant exposure and health outcomes, of which 16 were included for substantial review following application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results indicated an overall association between residence in e-waste processing towns and increases in negative health outcomes. Exposure to PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, and lead were correlated with deficiencies in neonatal development. Similarly, PBDEs and PAHs were associated with physical and neurodevelopmental deficits in children. Lead, cadmium, chromium, PCBs, and PAHs were associated with increased DNA oxidative stress and damage along with other genotoxic effects. Finally, PCBs and PBDEs were found to influence thyroid hormones. Communities living in close proximity to e-waste sites or conducting home e-waste dismantling procedures may be at increased risk for adverse health effects associated with exposure to e-waste toxicants and by-products. Additional epidemiological research conducted over longer study periods are recommended in effort to further evaluate the associations presented in this review.
Creative Commons License
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Open Access
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Community Exposure to E-waste Pollutants in Developing Countries and Associated Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
As global production and consumption of electronic goods continues to increase, there becomes a growing need to examine e-waste management and health implications associated with prolonged exposure to e-waste pollutants. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence on the association between exposure to e-waste pollutants and adverse health outcomes in developing countries, in those residing in towns with e-waste sites compared to those residing in towns without e-waste sites. A comprehensive search for original research using Scopus and PubMed databases was conducted on the association between e-waste toxicant exposure and health outcomes, of which 16 were included for substantial review following application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results indicated an overall association between residence in e-waste processing towns and increases in negative health outcomes. Exposure to PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, and lead were correlated with deficiencies in neonatal development. Similarly, PBDEs and PAHs were associated with physical and neurodevelopmental deficits in children. Lead, cadmium, chromium, PCBs, and PAHs were associated with increased DNA oxidative stress and damage along with other genotoxic effects. Finally, PCBs and PBDEs were found to influence thyroid hormones. Communities living in close proximity to e-waste sites or conducting home e-waste dismantling procedures may be at increased risk for adverse health effects associated with exposure to e-waste toxicants and by-products. Additional epidemiological research conducted over longer study periods are recommended in effort to further evaluate the associations presented in this review.
Comments
Presented at: GW Research Days 2016