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Environmental pollution and human body burden from improper recycling of e-waste in China: A short-review.

Authors :
Awasthi AK
Wang M
Awasthi MK
Wang Z
Li J
Source :
Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) [Environ Pollut] 2018 Dec; Vol. 243 (Pt B), pp. 1310-1316. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Sep 07.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Brief Background: E-waste generation has become a serious environmental challenge worldwide. The global quantity of e-waste was estimated 44.7 million metric tons (Mt) in 2016. The improper recycling of e-waste is still a challenging issue in developing countries.<br />Objective: The objectives of this a review article to present comprehensive information of recent studied on environment pollution and effect on human health in China.<br />Method: The search engines consulted, period of publications reviewed 2015-2018. For search study, we used different key words: 'improper recycling', 'primitive recycling,' 'backyard recycling,' 'e-waste,' 'WEEE', and the studies related to improper recycling of e-waste.<br />Results: According to reports, the e-waste recycled by unorganized sectors in China. These unorganized sector workers daily go for work, such as e-waste collection from consumer house and manual dismantling of e-waste by using simple method, at unauthorized workshop. These backyard workshop are reported in small clusters in or around city e.g., Qingyuan village; Taizhou, Longtang Town, Guiyu, nearby Nanyang River and Beigang River in China.<br />Discussion: The earlier reported studies directed the heavy metals effect (causing effects both acute and chronic effects; respiratory irritation, reproductive problem, cardiovascular and urinary infection/disease) on human health. According the reports, the improper recycling of e-waste which need to be address for the environment protection and prevention of public health risk. However, if e-waste exposure is not avoided very well, the associated contamination will be continuing, and simultaneously needful to increase the awareness for proper e-waste management in China.<br />Conclusions: In order to solve the e-waste problem in China, more detail research is needed. Furthermore, for environment protection and health safety, the proper e-waste dismantling techniques, environmentally sound management, and the regular monitoring are very important.<br /> (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1873-6424
Volume :
243
Issue :
Pt B
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
30268981
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.037