Environmental pollution and human body burden from improper recycling of e-waste in China: A short-review.

Abstract Brief background E-waste generation has become a serious environmental challenge worldwide. The global quantity of e-waste was estimated 44.7 million metric tons (Mt) in 2016. The improper recycling of e-waste is still a challenging issue in developing countries. Objective The objectives of this a review article to present comprehensive information of recent studied on environment pollution and effect on human health in China. Method The search engines consulted, period of publications reviewed 2015–2018. For search study, we used different key words: 'improper recycling', 'primitive recycling,' 'backyard recycling,' 'e-waste,' 'WEEE', and the studies related to improper recycling of e-waste. Results According to reports, the e-waste recycled by unorganized sectors in China. These unorganized sector workers daily go for work, such as e-waste collection from consumer house and manual dismantling of e-waste by using simple method, at unauthorized workshop. These backyard workshop are reported in small clusters in or around city e.g., Qingyuan village; Taizhou, Longtang Town, Guiyu, nearby Nanyang River and Beigang River in China. Discussion The earlier reported studies directed the heavy metals effect (causing effects both acute and chronic effects; respiratory irritation, reproductive problem, cardiovascular and urinary infection/disease) on human health. According the reports, the improper recycling of e-waste which need to be address for the environment protection and prevention of public health risk. However, if e-waste exposure is not avoided very well, the associated contamination will be continuing, and simultaneously needful to increase the awareness for proper e-waste management in China. Conclusions In order to solve the e-waste problem in China, more detail research is needed. Furthermore, for environment protection and health safety, the proper e-waste dismantling techniques, environmentally sound management, and the regular monitoring are very important. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • This review provides a synopsis of complexity of the e-waste issue. • High pollutant levels in exposed workers derives from relaxed e-waste recycling practices in China. • Exposure media of the pollutants derived from e-waste improper recycling are described. • Body burden of pollutants on the human health are briefly reviewed. • Highlights potential exposure routes and possible for adverse impacts on engaged workers. Informal e-waste sector sites are significantly polluted with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as metals in significant concentration levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]