Pilot investigation of California e-waste recycling facilities: Potential hazards and practical solutions

Background and Objectives: Electronic waste recycling is a growing industry currently employing approximately 5000 workers in the state of California. The current state and federal regulatory environments will lead to increased domestic processing of electronic waste. Our study sought to characterize the potential health risks associated with electronic waste recycling as well as best practices for preventing illness and injury.

Methods: We visited six electronic waste recycling facilities in California. We observed work processes, interviewed workers and managers, and reviewed occupational exposure and biomonitoring results and health and safety program documentation.

Results: Workers involved in electronics disassembly, shredding, and upgrading face health risks due to exposures to materials contained in electronic components, as well as specific work processes. Materials posing risks include lead, mercury, beryllium, cadmium, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Other health hazards include noise and injuries. Potential hazards can be mitigated by a number of strategies, including improved ventilation and work station setup, improved sorting of components so toxic materials are not shredded, and improved training concerning disassembly of components such as cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. For hazards that cannot be contained, increased provision/use of personal protective equipment and increased use of biomonitoring to track exposures are also recommended. A fact sheet for workers and employers was developed to communicate these recommendations.

Conclusions: The electronic waste recycling industry in California is a growing sector, subject to multiple regulatory standards. By adopting best work practices, the industry may further ameliorate hazards and prevent illness and injury.