Occupational exposure and respiratory health effects among electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Bangladesh
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In a cross-sectional study, we measured concentrations of heavy metals and assessed respiratory symptoms and lung function in 199 e-waste recycling and 104 non-recycling workers. Exposed workers had higher median blood Pb, similar Cd, and lower total hair Hg levels than non-exposed workers. The frequency of respiratory symptoms, such as phlegm (53% vs 34%) and wheeze (10% vs 3%) were higher in exposed than in non-exposed workers (both p ≤ 0.05). Forced vital capacity (FVC) did not differ across the groups (74 vs 74% predicted), however forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1, 75.8% vs 78% predicted), FEV1/FVC (103.7% vs 106.9%) and peak expiratory flow (PEF, 61% vs 72% predicted) were significantly lower among exposed workers. Adjusted estimates revealed that e-waste exposure significantly associated with wheeze (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.68, 22.93) and the median FEV1 and PEF were 6% and 10% unit lower, respectively, in the exposed workers than non-exposed workers. Pb concentration was significantly associated with 1.08% predicted unit decrease in PEF (95% CI: −18.85, −1.15). No significant mediation effect observed between exposure and outcomes relationships. The data implies that workers who are exposed to e-waste are at high risk of wheeze and lung function impairment, which requires preventive actions to mitigate exposure.
Institutions: Queensland University of Technology, Charles Sturt University, Uppsala University, North South University, National Institute for Minamata Disease, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, The University of Sydney, The University of Queensland
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7155706283