EXPOSURE TO HEAVY METALS AND CONSEQUENT HEALTH RISKS AMONG E-WASTE RECYCLERS IN RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN

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.