A review on human health consequences of metals exposure to e-waste in China

As the world's the largest dumping ground for e-waste, much of the population in China is exposed to heavy metals due to informal e-waste recycling processes. We reviewed recent studies on body burdens and human health effects of heavy metals from the major e-waste recycling sites in China. The results showed that the residents in the e-waste recycling sites are facing a potential higher daily intake of heavy metals. Moreover, heavy metals had entered subjects' bodies (the collected 5 tissue samples). Additionally, individual exposure to heavy metals in e-waste has also caused negative health outcomes, especially in neonates and children. We also recorded plausible outcomes associated with exposure to e-wast (to heavy metals). A precautionary approach toward exposure, especially in neonates and children, therefore seems warranted. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.