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The first national-scale assessment of lead (Pb) contamination in agricultural soils across China was conducted based on >1900 articles published between 1979 and 2016. Pb concentrations, temporal and spatial variations, and influencing factors were analyzed. Children's blood lead levels (BLLs) were also estimated using the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic (IEUBK) model. Pb concentrations in different areas of China varied greatly, which was closely associated with the distribution of Pb-related industries, especially Pb-zinc mine smelting, non-ferrous polymetallic mine smelting, e-waste recycling, and leaded gasoline consumption. The year 2000 was a significant transition year for Pb concentrations, with a rapid increase pre-2000 and a subsequent slow upward trend. Pb concentrations were found to be strongly associated with indicators of economic and social development including gross domestic product (GDP), population size, and vehicle ownership. Leaded gasoline, coal combustion, and non-ferrous smelting were the main sources of atmospheric Pb during the different periods. Predicted BLLs were higher in South China than those in the north. This study details the overall Pb contamination status of agricultural soils in China, and thus provides insights for policymakers with respect to pollution prevention measures. Unlabelled Image • The national scale contamination status of agricultural soil by Pb in China was reviewed according to the latest standard. • Temporal trend of Pb concentrations consisted of two stages: a rapid increase (1975–2000) and a subsequent slow upward trend. • Coal combustion and non-ferrous smelting have contributed to the contamination of agricultural soil with Pb in recent years. • Based on the IEUBK model, predicted blood lead levels are higher in South China than those in North China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to a worldwide increase in production of electronic waste, the e-recycling industry is rapidly rowing. E-recycling workers are exposed to many potentially toxic contaminants, among which flame retardants (FRs), mainly suspected of being endocrine disruptors, are thought to be the most prevalent. To conduct an exposure assessment of four chemical groups of FRs in Canadian e-recycling facilities, and to identify the main cofactors of exposure. Personal air samples were collected over a workday for 85 workers in six e-recycling facilities, grouped into three facility sizes, and for 15 workers in control commercial waste facilities. Total particulate matter was measured by gravimetry with stationary air samples. FRs were collected on OSHA versatile samplers, which allow particulate and vapor phases collection. Fifteen polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners (PBDEs), nine novel brominated (NBFRs), two chlorinated (ClFRs), and fourteen organophosphate ester (OPEs) flame retardants were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Sociodemographic data, tasks performed and materials processed by participating workers were recorded. Tobit regressions were used to identify cofactors of exposure, and their conclusions were corroborated using semi-parametric reverse Cox regressions. Thirty-nine of the 40 FRs analysed were detected in at least one air sample in e-recycling, and workers in this industry were exposed on average to 26 (range 12 to 39) different substances. The most detected chemical group of FRs in e-recycling was PBDEs with geometric mean sums of all congeners ranging from 120 to 5100 ng/m3, followed by OPEs with 740 to 1000 ng/m3, NBFRs with 7.6 to 100 ng/m3, and finally ClFRs with 3.9 to 32 mg/m3. The most important cofactor of exposure was the size of the e-recycling facility, with the largest one presenting on average 12 times the concentrations found in the control facility. Among tasks as potential cofactors of exposure, manual dismantling and baler operation exposed workers to some of the highest concentrations of PBDEs and ClFRs. There was a reduction of up to 27% in exposure to FRs associated with a 3-year increase in seniority. Finally, particulate matter concentrations in e-recycling facilities were highly correlated with all chemical classes except OPEs, and were higher in the large facility. Among the FRs analysed, PBDE exposure was particularly high in e-recycling. Dust and particulate matter reduction strategies in these workplaces, together with training on proper working practices would certainly be important first steps to lower occupational exposures and prevent potential health effects. • 39 flame retardants (FRs) were detected in the air of e-recycling facilities. • The most detected FR chemical class is polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). • BDE209 predominates among all FRs, especially in high-volume e-recycling facilities. • Higher exposures are found with dismantling and crushing/bailing tasks. • Cathode ray tubes and computer/TV screens are linked to high exposures of all FRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The onset of the 21st century has started a corresponding change in consumer lifestyles, resulting in the generation of a huge amount of the end-of-life electronics, known as e-waste. The e-waste recycling activities can pose a high risk to the environment and human health. We monitored air pollution levels (PM 10) and heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr) in the air for three consecutive months in an area where illegal e-waste recycling was in operation and compared the results with other two residential sites. In addition, we measured the concentrations of the same heavy metals in human blood to find out if there exists any correlation between environmental and biological exposure. Hypoxemia and hypertension were also determined for the comparison of health status amongst the study population. The study design comprised of three sites, which were selected on the basis of different major activities in the respective areas. Air samples were collected with the help of RDS and subjected to heavy metals analysis by ICP-OES, whereas blood samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. Results showed that amongst all study sites significant highest mean concentration of PM 10 (243.310 ± 22.729 μg/m3) and its heavy metal was found at e-waste burning site (SIII). High levels of heavy metal in the air were responsible for the higher exposure to the residents of SIII. Therefore, the study concluded that e-waste burning by the informal sector has significantly contributed to the high levels of the air pollution, which in turn was responsible for the highest level of heavy metal exposure to the residents. This was also associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular morbidity namely hypertension amongst the inhabitants of SIII may indicate the effect of chronic exposure to the air pollution due to e-waste processing activities, which needs to be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For all processes, the vast number of particles emitted were nanoparticles (<100 nm). • Chemical composition varied over particle size, specifically for the nanoparticles. • Highest levels of airborne particles were found in the WEEE flow. • The most abundant metals were Fe, Al, Zn, Pb and Cu. • SEM/EDS analysis showed internally and externally mixed particles. In the strive towards a circular economy, metal waste recycling is a growing industry. During the recycling process, particulate matter containing toxic and allergenic metals will be emitted to the air causing unintentional exposure to humans and environment. In this study detailed characterization of particle emissions and workplace exposures were performed, covering the full size range from 10 nm to 10 µm, during recycling of three different material flows: Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), metal scrap, and cables. Both direct-reading instruments (minute resolution), and time-integrated filter measurements for gravimetric and chemical analysis were used. Additionally, optical sensors were applied and evaluated for long-term online monitoring of air quality in industrial settings. The highest concentrations, in all particle sizes, and with respect both to particle mass and number, were measured in the WEEE flow, followed by the metal scrap flow. The number fraction of nanoparticles was high for all material flows (0.66–0.86). The most abundant metals were Fe, Al, Zn, Pb and Cu. Other elements of toxicological interest were Mn, Ba and Co. The large fraction of nanoparticles, and the fact that their chemical composition deviate from that of the coarse particles, raises questions that needs to be further addressed including toxicological implications, both for humans and for the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background E-waste includes electrical and electronic equipment discarded as waste without intent of reuse. Informal e-waste recycling, typically done in smaller, unorganized businesses, can expose workers and communities to serious chemical health hazards. It is unclear if formalization into larger, better-controlled electronics recycling (e-recycling) facilities solves environmental and occupational health problems. Objectives To systematically review the literature on occupational and environmental health hazards of formal e-recycling facilities and discuss challenges and opportunities to strengthen research in this area. Methods We identified 37 publications from 4 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Environmental Index, NIOSHTIC-2) specific to chemical exposures in formal e-recycling facilities. Discussion Environmental and occupational exposures depend on the degree of formalization of the facilities but further reduction is needed. Reported worker exposures to metals were often higher than recommended occupational guidelines. Levels of brominated flame-retardants in worker's inhaled air and biological samples were higher than those from reference groups. Air, dust, and soil concentrations of metals, brominated flame-retardants, dioxins, furans, polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons, or polychlorinated biphenyls found inside or near the facilities were generally higher than reference locations, suggesting transport into the environment. Children of a recycler had blood lead levels higher than public health recommended guidelines. Conclusions With mounting e-waste, more workers, their family members, and communities could experience unhealthful exposures to metals and other chemicals. We identified research needs to further assess exposures, health, and improve controls. The long-term solution is manufacturing of electronics without harmful substances and easy-to-disassemble components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were examined in house dust from the electronic waste (e-waste) recycling and urban areas of South China. The concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were in the range of 227–160,000ng/g in the e-waste recycling area and 530–44,000ng/g in the urban area. These values were much higher than other BFRs, except for novel decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) whose value of 100–47,000ng/g was dominant in approximately 1/4 of the samples from the urban area. Urban dust PBDE levels were generally higher than those in many European and Asian countries and comparable to the values found in North America. Urban dust DBDPE levels were higher than those of other areas in the world. The distinct dust BFR profiles observed in the two studied areas were reflective of activities in these areas (electronics industry vs. e-waste recycling). The presence of BDE202, as well as the BDE197 to BDE201 and the nona-BDEs to deca-BDE ratios in the dust samples from the studied areas were probably indicative of environmental degradation of deca-BDE. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of average adult and toddler via house dust ranged from 37.0 to 304ng/day for PBDEs and from 3.01 to 87.6ng/day for all other BFRs in the studied areas. The EDIs via house dust were much higher than those via other indoor pathways (air, fish, human milk, and toys). Despite the potentially low deleterious risk of PBDE exposure via house dust as suggested by the hazard quotients, this exposure pathway should be of great concern because of the higher BFR exposures for children and the presence of other BFRs (such as DBDPE) which have not yet been fully investigated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • PM 2.5 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were monitored at an e-waste site. • PM and PAH concentrations in personal air were nearly double levels at fixed sites. • Workers performing burning and dismantling tasks had the highest exposures. • Both PM and PAH levels exceeded standards or risk-based guidelines. • Pollutant emissions at informal e-waste sites affects nearby communities. Electronic waste (e-waste) disposal and recycling activities such as burning and smelting can emit particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other pollutants that expose workers and nearby communities. At informal e-waste recycling facilities, both emission controls and protective measures for workers are absent. This study characterizes personal exposures (breathing zone) of PM and PAHs of e-waste workers at the large Agbogbloshie e-waste site in Accra, Ghana. We collected gravimetric and optical measurements of PM 2.5 and PM 10 using shift samples for workers and for an age- and gender-matched reference population. PM 2.5 filters were analyzed for 26 PAHs using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Among e-waste workers, PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations were 99 ± 56 and 218 ± 158 µg/m3 (median ± interquartile range, optical measurements), respectively; these levels were 78 and 57% higher, respectively, than levels measured at a fixed site that was centrally located at the waste site. In the reference community, breathing zone PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels were lower, 49 ± 20 and 131 ± 108 µg/m3, respectively, and the fraction of coarse PM was larger. We detected all 26 target PAHs, of which naphthalene and phenanthrene were the most abundant. PAH concentrations were weakly correlated to PM levels, but PAH abundances, representing the fraction of PAH mass to the total PM 2.5 mass collected, were strongly and inversely correlated to PM levels, suggesting multiple and different sources of PAHs and PM that affected exposures. Both PM and PAH levels were elevated for workers performing burning and dismantling, and both exceeded standards or risk-based guidelines, e.g., lifetime excess cancer risks for several PAHs were in the 10−4 to 10−6 range, indicating the need to reduce emissions as well as provide respiratory protection. The study emphasizes the importance of using personal and shift samples to accurately characterize worker exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The DLC concentrations in EWRS are significantly higher than in reference areas. • Atmospheric DLC levels in EWRS decreased after stricter environmental regulations were implemented. • Potential health effects of DLCs on multiple systems in the human body are presented. • The DLC body burdens in EWRS are higher than levels associated with health impairments. • Infants and young children in EWRS have higher DLC exposure and health risks than adults. Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) burning and recycling activities have become one of the main emission sources of dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). Workers involved in e-waste recycling operations and residents living near e-waste recycling sites (EWRS) are exposed to high levels of DLCs. Epidemiological and experimental in vivo studies have reported a range of interconnected responses in multiple systems with DLC exposure. However, due to the compositional complexity of DLCs and difficulties in assessing mixture effects of the complex mixture of e-waste-related contaminants, there are few studies concerning human health outcomes related to DLC exposure at informal EWRS. In this paper, we have reviewed the environmental levels and body burdens of DLCs at EWRS and compared them with the levels reported to be associated with observable adverse effects to assess the health risks of DLC exposure at EWRS. In general, DLC concentrations at EWRS of many countries have been decreasing in recent years due to stricter regulations on e-waste recycling activities, but the contamination status is still severe. Comparison with available data from industrial sites and well-known highly DLC contaminated areas shows that high levels of DLCs derived from crude e-waste recycling processes lead to elevated body burdens. The DLC levels in human blood and breast milk at EWRS are higher than those reported in some epidemiological studies that are related to various health impacts. The estimated total daily intakes of DLCs for people in EWRS far exceed the WHO recommended total daily intake limit. It can be inferred that people living in EWRS with high DLC contamination have higher health risks. Therefore, more well-designed epidemiological studies are urgently needed to focus on the health effects of DLC pollution in EWRS. Continuous monitoring of the temporal trends of DLC levels in EWRS after actions is of highest importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biomagnification of HOPs in insect-dominated food chains was investigated. • BMFs of HOPs (except DBDPE) were higher in homeotherms than in poikilotherms. • Trophic magnification was present for most PCB congeners in both aquatic and terrestrial food webs. • Trophic transfer of HFRs were different between terrestrial and aquatic food webs. Aquatic, amphibious, and terrestrial organisms in or around a pond that was contaminated by e-waste were collected and persistent halogenated organic pollutants (HOPs) for these species were analyzed. Based on the stable isotope and dietary composition, the aquatic and terrestrial food webs and several insect-dominated food chains including insects – toads, insects – lizards, and insects – birds were constructed. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) for insect-dominated food chains and trophic magnification factors (TMFs) in aquatic and terrestrial food webs were calculated. The BMFs of HOPs (except DBDPE) in insect – bird food chains were significantly higher than those in insect – toad and insect – lizard food chains, indicating that HOPs accumulated more easily in homeotherms than in poikilotherms. Trophic magnification was present for most of the PCB congeners in both aquatic and terrestrial food webs. Differences between the trophic transfer of halogenated flame retardant in terrestrial and aquatic food webs were observed, with trophic magnification in the terrestrial food web but trophic dilution in the aquatic food web for most of chemicals (except for lower brominated PBDE congeners). Meanwhile, the contour plots of TMFs across combinations of log K OW and log K OA for terrestrial food web were distinct from those for aquatic food web. These results indicate that the biomagnification mechanisms of HOPs in aquatic food webs are different from those in terrestrial food webs, and further suggest that the bioaccumulation of contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems cannot be directly deduced from aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Twenty five PIs were detected in e-waste dust. • Most PIs exhibited significantly higher levels in e-waste dust than local or urban home dust. • Significant correlations were found among most of the frequently detected PIs in the e-waste dust. • The EDI of PIs for the e-waste dismantling workers were higher than those for the local or urban adult residents. • This is the first study on the PIs in indoor dust from e-waste recycling facilities. Photoinitiators (PIs) are indispensable additives in photopolymerization. PI-containing consumables, such as adhesives, coatings, UV-cured inks and light-sensitive materials, are widely used in various electronic products. Nevertheless, there is no information concerning the identification of PIs as emerging contaminants from e-waste recycling. In this study, 25 PIs, including 9 benzophenones (BZPs), 8 amine coinitiators (ACIs), 4 thioxanthones (TXs) and 4 phosphine oxides (POs), were analyzed in indoor dust from typical e-waste recycling facilities and adjacent rural communities, as well as from control urban communities. All 25 target PIs were detected in e-waste dust, while only 17 and 15 of the 25 target PIs were detected in local home dust and urban home dust, respectively. The PIs detected in all dust samples were dominated by BZPs and POs, followed by ACIs and TXs. Most PIs exhibited significantly higher levels in e-waste dust than local or urban home dust. The influence of PI contamination on the local household environment by dust diffusion and transport from near e-waste recycling facilities may be lower due to the low volatility of most PIs. Characteristic composition profiles of PIs for indoor dust from the e-waste recycling area were identified and compared to those from the control area. Significant correlations were found among almost all the frequently detected PIs in the e-waste dust, indicating their similar application in electronic products and common emission from e-waste recycling. The estimated daily intakes of PIs via dust ingestion for the e-waste dismantling workers, as determined by using Monte Carlo analysis, were several times higher than those for the local adult residents and the general urban adult residents, which should be an emerging concern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that e-waste dismantling/recycling activities lead to largely common releases of a wide range of multiple classes of PIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Human exposure to PAHs with hair analysis was evaluated in EW dismantling area. • EW dismantling activity was found not the only source for human PAHs exposure. • No or weak correlations were found between OH-PAHs in hair-In and urine. • OH-PAHs in hair-In mainly derived from the endogenous metabolism of parent PAHs. • OH-PAHs were found to be more reliable biomarkers than parent PAHs for hair analysis. In this study, 96 pairs of hair and urine samples were collected from e-waste (EW) dismantling workers of an industrial park, as well as residents living in surrounding areas. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and hydroxylated PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs) were analyzed. The results show that concentrations of Σ 15 PAHs ranged from 6.24 to 692 ng/g dry weight (dw) and Σ 12 OH-PAHs from undetected to 187 ng/g dw in hair external (hair-Ex), and ranged from 31.7 to 738 ng/g dw and 21.6 to 1887 ng/g dw in hair internal (hair-In). There was no significant difference in exposure levels between EW dismantling workers and residents of the surrounding area. For the parent PAHs, the concentrations of Σ 15 PAHs of hair-In were comparable with those of hair-Ex for all populations except for the child residents. On the contrary, for the OH-PAHs, the concentrations of Σ 12 OH-PAHs of hair-In were 9–37 times higher than those of hair-Ex for populations. Moreover, the congener profiles of OH-PAHs of hair-In were different from those of hair-Ex, but similar to that of urine. Particularly, 3-OH-Bap, which is a carcinogenic metabolite, was only detected in the hair-In. These results indicate that OH-PAHs in hair-In, just like in urine, are mainly derived from endogenous metabolism and could be considered as reliable biomarkers for PAHs exposure. However, there was almost no significant correlations between hair-In and urine for OH-PAHs. This indicates that more attention should be paid to OH-PAHs when conducting PAHs exposure risk assessment using hair, which will help to obtain more reliable and comprehensive information on health risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The geometric mean BLL for Chinese children between 1987 and 2017 = 95.1 μg/L. • There has been a significant overall temporal decrease in BLLs. • A rebound was seen in the most recent two years (2016 and 2017) • BLLs of children living in mining areas have remained high. • The lead poisoning rate has become very high in areas associated with e–wastes. In China, data relating to the historic prevalence of childhood lead poisoning suggest its pervasiveness. This review analysed published epidemiological data on blood lead levels (BLLs) of 735,271 Chinese children aged 0–6 between 1987 and 2017. Among these children, the geometric mean (GM) BLL was 95.1 μg/L (geometric SD = 1.62), and 24.1% suffered lead poisoning (BLL ≥ 100 μg/L). Importantly, there was a temporal decrease in the GM BLL value, from 182.9 μg/L in 1987–1991 to 42.4 μg/L in 2012–2017. However, a rebound was seen in the most recent two years (2016 and 2017). Moreover, the GM BLL among Chinese children has not fallen as low as U.S. children. This indicates that either (1) leaded petrol or lead based-paint exposure sources have not been adequately controlled in China, or (2) other pollution sources, such as industry, traffic, and e-waste, are impacting Chinese children. Drivers behind spatio-temporal variations were explored to provide scientific evidence regarding the prevention of childhood lead poisoning. We found that BLLs among children in the central and eastern areas of China have dropped lower than those in the western area, and that the GM BLL of children living in rural areas now exceeds children in urban areas. These reversals may be associated with the industrial decentralization policy of the late 1980s, when many heavily polluting industries and manufacturers moved away from cities on the east coast. It was discovered that the BLLs of children living in areas associated with mining have remained high (GM BLL = 155.0 μg/L for 2007–2017), and that the lead poisoning rate (LPR) has become exceptionally high in areas associated with e–waste. Finally, the review offers a data comparison with other countries, an overview of potentially influencing factors and sources, as well as some suggested prevention strategies to reduce childhood lead exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An intergraded source-exposure risk approach was developed. • Interrelationships among source, sink and human health were assessed. • Parent material and agrochemical application caused the highest non-cancer risk. • Industrial activities caused the highest total cancer risk. • Reducing industrial discharge and agrochemical use is key for alleviating human health risk. Conducting integrated analysis of the source, exposure and health risk of heavy metals is critical for developing mitigation strategies of soil contamination. Taking the former electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling center in China as an example this study quantitatively apportioned source contribution of soil heavy metals in this area by statistical analysis and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Furthermore, the human health risk of identified sources were quantified by combining source profiles and exposure risk assessment. The seven heavy metals investigated were arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn). Results indicated that agricultural soils were mainly contaminated with Cd and Cu. Parent material and pesticide, fertilizer application, industrial discharge, and vehicle emission accounted for 46.6, 22.2, and 31.2%, respectively, of the accumulation of metals in the soil. Moreover, these sources contributed 52.9, 19.0, and 28.1%, respectively of the total non-cancer risk. For the total cancer risk, the contribution of these three sources was 39.2, 45.3, and 15.5%, respectively. Despite that industrial discharge contributed the least to the accumulation of metals (22.2%), it contributed the most to the total cancer risk (45.3%). Reducing industrial emission was crucial for minimizing the heavy metal input to agricultural soils and preventing potential health hazard. These findings could provide support for environmental protection authority to improve the management and risk prevention of contaminated farmland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are one important category of additives in plastics, which are ubiquitous products of e-waste recycling areas, where PAEs are released to the environment intensively and higher exposure level is expected for the employees. This study investigated human exposure levels of PAEs in an e-waste recycling area (Ziya Circular Economy Park (ZCEP) in Tianjin, China) with intending to explore the impacts of residence spatial variation and dismantling manipulation mode. We collected 157 urine samples from three sites around ZCEP with different distances from the core dismantling site and urinary phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) concentrations were measured and were compared among these three sites. The exposure levels of PAEs exhibited spatial variation according to the distance from the core dismantling site, and urinary median ∑mPAEs concentrations (389 ng/mL) of the employees in ZCEP were significantly higher than those of residents in Ziya town (285 ng/mL) and the downtown of Jinghai district (207 ng/mL) (p < 0.05). Moreover, PAEs exposure levels were significantly affected by the manipulation modes in the e-waste recycling area and the urinary median ∑mPAEs concentrations in the employees of family workshops (401 ng/mL) were significantly higher than those in plants with centralized management (298 ng/mL). There were obvious differences on the urinary median mPAEs concentrations between subgroups based on age, BMI, and sex; however, no significant statistical associations were found between PAEs exposure levels and these socio-demographic indices (p > 0.05). Besides, there was no correlation between exposure levels of different PAEs and their physicochemical parameters like the log K ow (p > 0.05). Unlabelled Image • Occupational exposure to PAEs in ZCEP was severe corresponding to some EDIs of employees exceeding the reference doses. • PAEs exposure of employees was associated with the manipulation modes of e-waste. • Human exposure levels of PAEs decreased with the distance from the central dismantling site. • Urinary mPAEs levels were greater in the subgroup with age ≥50 years old. • No significant correlation was found between urinary mPAEs and physicochemical properties like log K ow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have reported bioaccumulation of halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in wildlife from electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites. However, the concentrations and hazards of HFRs and PCBs in wildlife from non–e-waste sites which were not involved in any known e-waste recycling activities in the e-waste–impacted region are still unclear. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), alternative HFRs (AHFRs; including dechlorane plus, decabromodiphenyl ethane, and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane), and PCBs were quantified in common kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) from a region affected by e-waste recycling in South China, and potential adverse effects were evaluated. Concentrations of ∑PBDEs and ∑PCBs in kingfishers ranged from 2.1 × 103–1.3 × 105 ng/g lipid mass (lm) and 2.1 × 103–1.5 × 106 ng/g lm, respectively. At e-waste recycling sites, these concentrations were 100- to 1000-fold greater than those in kingfishers from non–e-waste areas, where concentrations of ∑PBDEs and ∑PCBs were 16–1.2 × 103 and 39–3.0 × 103 ng/g lm, respectively. Concentrations of ∑AHFRs in kingfishers from e-waste sites and non–e-waste sites ranged from 8.5 to 3.6 × 102 and 0.8–2.9 × 102 ng/g lm, respectively. The greatest concentrations of PCBs in kingfishers were measured from the e-waste sites. Additionally, kingfishers from four non–e-waste sites in the vicinity of e-waste sites had greater PCB concentrations compared to the other six non-e-waste sites. Concentrations of AHFRs were negatively and significantly correlated with distance from an e-waste site, which indicated that AHFRs from non–e-waste sites might be influenced by point sources. Further, a significant (r 2 = 0.53, p = 0.02) positive correlation between human population density and concentrations of ∑PBDEs in kingfishers from non–e-waste sites was observed. Concentrations of either PBDEs or PCBs from e-waste sites might pose severe, adverse reproductive effects to kingfishers, while the potential for adverse effects of PBDEs and PCBs to kingfishers from most non–e-waste sites seemed minimal. • High levels of PBDEs, AHFRs, and PCBs were detected in kingfishers from e-waste sites. • AHFR levels in non–e-waste site kingfishers might be influenced by point sources. • Kingfishers from non–e-waste sites near e-waste sites have greater PCB levels. • PBDEs and PCBs pose hazards to kingfishers at e-waste sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]