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.
