Contamination by organohalogenated flame retardants and their exposure assessment for workers in a modern e-waste recycling facility in Bengaluru, India

Abstract

The present study analyzed organohalogenated flame retardants (OHFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), 1,2-bis (2,4,6-tribromohenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and dechlorane plus (DPs) in dust and soil samples collected in and around a relatively modern electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) recycling facility in Bengaluru, India, to elucidate the work environment contamination by OHFRs. In addition, serum samples were collected from seven workers in the e-waste recycling facility and OHFRs were analyzed to assess the exposure levels. PBDEs, HBCDs, BTBPE, DBDPE, and DPs were detected in all the dust and soil samples analyzed, suggesting the release of these OHFRs into the work environment during e-waste recycling activities. On the other hand, OHFRs were not detected in all the serum samples from the workers and the similar phenomenon has been observed in our previous study conducted in 2013. These results indicate the diminished intake and absorption of OHFRs by working conditions improved since 2007, e.g., continuous wearing of masks and gloves and installation of higherformance draft.