Electronic-waste-associated pollution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Environmental occurrence and human exposure

Occupational exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is of serious concern because their adverse health effects. Nevertheless, knowledge regarding contamination in e-waste dismantling regions is rather scarce. We therefore analysed seven neutral PFASs (n-PFASs) and forty ionized PFASs (i-PFASs) in dust and hand wipes collected from an e-waste dismantling plant and homes. Both dust (1370 ng/g) and workers' hand wipe (1100 ng/m2) in e-waste dismantling workshops contained significantly higher median levels of n-ary sumation PFASs than those from homes (684 ng/g and 444 ng/m2) (p < 0.01). n-ary sumation PFAS concentrations in dust and on workers' hand wipes from workshops were significantly higher than those from storage area. 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohol was the dominant n-PFAS in workshop dust (70.7%) and on worker's hand wipes (46.6%). Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (C2-C3) were the significant components (based on concentration) of i-PFASs in dust (57.9%) and on hand wipes (89.6%). A significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) of n-ary sumation PFAS concentrations between workshop dust and workers' hand wipes was observed, indicating that they come from common sources. Compared to dust ingestion, hand-to-mouth contact was highlighted as a vital exposure route, accounting for 68.8% for workers and 72.2% for residential population, respectively, of the sum of two exposure doses.

Automated summary

Occupational exposure to PFASs in e-waste dismantling regions is a serious concern. This study found that dust and hand wipes in e-waste dismantling workshops contained higher levels of PFASs compared to homes. Hand-to-mouth contact was highlighted as a vital exposure route for both workers and residents.