Abstract:
Studies have shown that hair and nail samples can be used as a marker to assess
occupational exposure to the heavy metals. The objective of this study was to estimate
the levels of heavy metals: Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr),
Zinc (Zn) and Arsenic (As) in the hair and nail samples of e-waste recycling workers in
Rawalpindi and to categorically evaluate the presence of self-reported diseases generally
associated with the heavy metals. Hair and fingernail samples were collected from three
groups of e-waste recyclers i.e., buyer/sellers, dismantlers, and metal extractors. The
levels of Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr, Zn and As, in hair and fingernails, analysed by using
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
From the results of this study, As showed the highest concentrations while trace
levels of Cd, Ni, Cr Pb, and Zn were found in all three groups of informal e-waste
recyclers. The As was higher than the permissible limit in both hair and nail samples.
The levels of all the metals studied were significantly higher in the nails compared to
hair samples, indicating the presence of these metals in the environment and the
workplace. The elemental profile of both nails and hair were almost the same therefore
strong correlation was found for the As, and Zn. The heavy metals constitute potential
health risks to the workers, especially to the dismantlers and metal extractors.
Significant association was found between self-reported diseases and working cohorts of
e-waste recycling workers. Therefore, an instantaneous need for awareness about the
hazards of this occupation to enable these recyclers to take necessary precautionary
measures. Since higher heavy metals content exposure is associated with several health
hazards proper biological monitoring and health check of workers is suggested.
