A comprehensive review of the human body burden of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and associated health effects in an e-waste recycling area in China.

Guiyu has been one of the world's largest destinations for electronic waste (e-waste) recycling for decades. The recyling process in Guiyu relied on informal and family-based activities, which have led to severe environmental pollution and associated extensive health problems. This review examines the connections between exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and health outcomes, particularly in neonates, children and pregnant women. The residents in Guiyu exhibit high levels of contamination from POPs, especially PBDEs, PAHs and PCBs. Excessive exposure to these compounds have been associated with multi-system and long-term effects in children, changes in gestational age in pregnant mothers, and adverse birth outcomes in neonates. The findings raise concerns about the impact of POPs stemming from e-waste recycling on human health, and contribute to a better understanding of the need for monitoring sources, distribution, and effects of e-waste related-POPs in other regions of China and similar sites worldwide. Highlights: Guiyu is infamous for its involvement in primitive e-waste recycling processes. Elevated human body burden of PBDEs, PAHs, PCBs and PFOA in Guiyu residents. POPs exposure has adverse effects on multiple organ systems of neonates and children. The review highlights strong regulations should be organized to address the problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]