Health Problems Among Workers Who Recycle Electronic Waste in Southern Thailand

Overview

Journal Osong Public Health Res Perspect

Specialty Public Health

Date 2020 Mar 10

PMID 32149040

Citations 2

Authors

Somsiri Decharat

Peeranart Kiddee

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence of adverse health effects among recycling facility workers, and described their socioeconomic situation, health symptoms and work characteristics.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 71 workers in 20 electronic waste (e-waste) recycling facilities in southern Thailand. Data were collected by questionnaire. Risk factors were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Recycling facility workers with blurred vision were significantly associated with being male ( = 0.035), over 40 years old ( = 0.020), and having ≤ secondary school education ( = 0.017). Rash/itching was associated with being male ( = 0.011), over 40 years ( = 0.018), having ≤ secondary school education ( = 0.012). not using a cloth mask ( = 0.019), not using gloves ( = 0.028), not washing hands before lunch ( = 0.005), not cleaning clothes daily ( = 0.025), and not having established ventilation systems in the place of work ( = 0.018). Hand-and-feet numbness were associated with being male ( = 0.025), and being over 40 years ( = 0.023). Headaches were associated with being male ( = 0.028).

Conclusion: Personal hygiene is important for this occupational group, and it should be emphasized in education programs.

Citing Articles

E-waste scenario in South-Asia: an emerging risk to environment and public health.

Priyashantha A, Pratheesh N, Pretheeba P Environ Anal Health Toxicol. 2022; 37(3):e2022022-0.

PMID: 36262066 PMC: 9582420. DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2022022.

Environmental contamination and public health effects of electronic waste: an overview.

Alabi O, Adeoluwa Y, Huo X, Xu X, Bakare A J Environ Health Sci Eng. 2021; 19(1):1209-1227.

PMID: 34150306 PMC: 8172693. DOI: 10.1007/s40201-021-00654-5.

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