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Informal Electronic Waste Recycling: Metal Concentrations in Pregnant Women and Neonates and Associations with Adverse Birth Outcomes in Guiyu, China

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2017, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Medicine: Epidemiology (Environmental Health).
Background: CBS’s 60 Minutes ran an episode entitled “Following the Trail of Toxic E-waste” in 2008 and gave Americans, and the world, a firsthand look at informal electronic waste (e-waste) recycling. E-waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream worldwide with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) estimating that 50 million metric tons by the end of 2018. It contains many valuable metals that can be recycled and resold, however it also contains many harmful chemicals, such has lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), hexavalent chromium (Cr[VI]), and manganese (Mn). Informal e-waste recycling involves methods that can lead to widespread contamination and adverse health effects, especially in pregnant women and children. Methods: Using data from the E-waste Recycling and Community Health (e-REACH) study, we measured Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mn from pregnant women who were enrolled at delivery from Guiyu (n=314), the exposed site, and Haojiang (n=320), a community with no history of informal e-waste recycling, from 2011-12. We calculated the geometric mean (GM) and recorded the minimum and maximum values for each metal in maternal blood, cord blood, and maternal urine for both sites. The ratio of each metal concentration in each of the biospecimens between Guiyu and Haojiang were calculated using linear regression. Relative risks (RR) were calculated for elevated blood Pb in mothers. We compared the differences in birth weight, birth length, head circumference, body mass index (BMI), and Ponderal index (PI). Odds ratios (OR) for small for gestational age in association with each metal concentration in the biospecimens were calculated. Finally, we used a structural equation model (SEM) to create an overall latent variable from each metal and examine its association with neonatal BMI. Results: Guiyu mothers had higher concentrations of Pb (ratio: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.60, 1.89), Cd (ratio: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.48), and Cr (ratio: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.73) in their blood compared to mothers in Haojiang, along with higher urinary Cd (ratio: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.43, 3.02). Pb was significantly higher in the cord blood of the Guiyu neonates (ratio: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.59). The RR for having a blood Pb level ≥ 5 µg/dL was 4.03 (95% CI: 3.07, 5.29) for mothers living in Guiyu. Neonates in Guiyu had significantly lower head circumference (ß: -1.58 cm, 95% CI: -2.03, -1.13), BMI (ß: -0.75 kg/m2, 95% CI: -1.11, -0.38), and PI (ß: -1.91 kg/m3, 95% CI: -2.98, -0.84). We observed an increased OR for SGA is association with cord blood Mn (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.98) and maternal urinary Cd (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.68). The SEM did not observe a significant association between the latent variable and neonatal BMI. Conclusion: In conclusion, living in Guiyu placed pregnant women at a higher risk of having elevated Pb levels when compared to women living in a community with no informal e-waste recycling. We observed significant differences in head circumference, BMI, and PI. Though we did not observe strong associations with individual chemicals, it is important to recognize the e-waste and e-waste recycling releases a complicated mixture of chemicals. Other non-measured chemicals along with the interaction of different chemicals may explain the differences we observed in the birth outcomes. With the growing nature of e-waste generation, it is important to protect vulnerable populations who are living in communities involved with informal recycling.
Aimin Chen, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Kim Dietrich, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Tiina Reponen, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Heidi Sucharew, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Changchun Xie, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
79 p.

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Citations

  • Kim, S. S. (2017). Informal Electronic Waste Recycling: Metal Concentrations in Pregnant Women and Neonates and Associations with Adverse Birth Outcomes in Guiyu, China [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1505127360044436

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kim, Stephani. Informal Electronic Waste Recycling: Metal Concentrations in Pregnant Women and Neonates and Associations with Adverse Birth Outcomes in Guiyu, China. 2017. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1505127360044436.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kim, Stephani. "Informal Electronic Waste Recycling: Metal Concentrations in Pregnant Women and Neonates and Associations with Adverse Birth Outcomes in Guiyu, China." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1505127360044436

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)