Effects of Xenobiotics on the health of E-Waste workers in Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana

Abstract

This thesis evaluated the self-reported health effects of xenobiotics on electronic waste workers in Agbogbloshie, Accra, Ghana. In this occupational setting, many workers do not wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which exposes them to xenobiotics through inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. The study was mainly quantitative consisting of measurements of concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde and methane, and particulate matter of size 2.5 microns in the low, medium and high intensity zones of exposure. In addition, more than two hundred electronic waste workers were surveyed to ascertain linkages between E-waste activity, exposure and reported disease symptoms. There was a strong positive correlation between PM2.5 and concentrations of VOCs. However, there were no significant non-carcinogenic health risks to E waste workers in Agbogbloshie in either the central tendency exposure (CTE) or reasonable maximum exposure (RME) scenarios. The results also indicated a significant positive relationship between educational attainment and level of knowledge of the human health risks associated with exposure to E-waste related smoke. The level of knowledge regarding the environmental and health effects of E waste was a significant predictor of use of multiple PPE by E-waste workers. Moreover, there was a strong association of E-waste worker use of multiple PPE and reduced self-reported adverse human health outcomes. Based on the above, E-waste workers should be educated and encouraged to use PPE and embrace mechanical alternatives to removing valuable metals from E-waste instead of burning. Also, the government of Ghana and other non-governmental organisations working in the E waste sector should initiate programmes that subsidize the cost of PPE in order to eventually ensure widespread use by E-waste workers.