Occupational exposure and respiratory health effects among electronic waste (e-waste) recycling workers in Bangladesh

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 (FEV_1, 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.