Heavy metals inhalation exposure analysis from particulate matter emitted from dry and wet recycling processes of waste electrical and electronic equipment

Abstract

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling processes produce aerosols that influence occupational health. This work is a characterization of aerosols and dust from dry and wet WEEE recycling processes in a small plant. A particle spectrometer measured size distributions of ultrafine particles whereas a deposition impactor collected aerosols for chemical analysis. Powders from milled printed circuit boards and from the cathode ray tube (CRT) processing line were additionally analyzed. Morphological characterization of the dusts by optical and electron microscopy also took place. All plant compartments are subject to aerosol concentrations during the work hours with highest concentration at 105 particles/cm3. The wet recycling technique was more efficient in retaining powders in the solid form than the dry technique. An exposure calculation and a risk assessment of an average worker were carried out. By the worst case scenario the total daily inorganic elements are 80.5 μg, mainly consisting of aluminium copper and iron. The exposure calculation and the risk assessment revealed that accumulation of aerosols in other compartments has a higher impact than the dry process itself. Results showed that for both methods pollutants concentrations were low, even in the worst‐case scenario examined.

Characterization and Toxic Potency of Airborne Particles Formed upon Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste Recycling: A Case Study

“…The figure reveals the compositional complexity of the collected particles, reflected by the varying composition of the electronic waste. The observed elements are in line with previous literature findings. , Some of the observed metals, including Cd, Cr, Pb, and Sn, were present in relatively small amounts, although they have known hazardous properties both from a health and environmental perspective . These metals can for example originate from electronic switches (Cd), solder joints and wire insulation (Cd), metal housing (Cr), solders on PC boards (Pb and Sn), and cathode ray tubes (Pb and Ni).…”

“…The observed elements are in line with previous literature findings. 2,29 Some of the observed metals, The inorganic metalloids and elements such as Ca, Si, and Cl are the main constituents of printed circuit boards, which consist of woven glass fiber sheets hardened (e.g., Ca, Al, and Si oxides) with flame retarded epoxy resins (e.g., Br and Cl) and traces of Cu.…”

“…D. magnaAcute Toxicity Test. The toxicity test on the zooplankter D. magna revealed an overall significant difference in survival rate for both particle concentrations (37 and 74 mg/L) (χ 2 (2 ) = 22.99, p < 0.0001) (Figure 11a). Pairwise comparisons further revealed that there were significant differences between all tested treatments.…”

“…Manual dismantling, shredding, and mechanical grinding of WEEE at recycling facilities inevitably lead to the accidental formation and release of both coarse and fine particles into the ambient air and thus pose a risk for inhalation or skin contact. − Adverse effects on human health caused by such particles have been reported for both routes of exposure. , Furthermore, as WEEE recycling plants typically are open spaces, the emitted airborne WEEE particles can spread to the adjacent environment. In many countries that are in the process of economic and social growth, WEEE is handled and treated in open air …”

“…Research on WEEE particles has focused on characterizing size, morphology, composition, and toxicity of the particles generated during the recycling process. , However, studies on the emissions from European treatment plans for WEEE are still scarce, − and studies of potential ecotoxicological effects of the emitted particles are even fewer. The results of the few studies performed show that the composition of WEEE particles varies depending on the type of electronic device, its age, and the processing methods used for its disposal.…”