JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Global consumption of electronic and electrical products has increased electronic waste (e-waste), posing environmental and public health concerns. In Vietnam, informal e-waste processing involving unregulated collection and dismantling is common, exposing workers to hazardous substances. However, data on the health status of e-waste workers remains limited, and exposure to phthalates, widely used in electronics and endocrine-disrupting plasticizers, has not been evaluated.

Objective:

To assess the health status of e-waste workers in Vietnam, measure phthalate exposure levels, and examine the association with health outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study among adult e-waste workers in Bui village, Vietnam. Trained staff collected demographic, occupational, respiratory, and dietary habits information using a Vietnamese structured questionnaire. Medical examinations, body composition measurements, and blood and urine samples were collected. Blood samples were analysed for haematology and metabolic indicators and urine for routine indicators and phthalate metabolites.

Results:

Among 253 recruited e-waste workers, most were female, had low incomes, and relied on e-waste as their primary income. Personal protective equipment usage, particularly dust masks and gloves, was common. Asthma, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema prevalences were 20.3%, 15.4%, and 8.6%, respectively, and 10.9% reported work-related symptoms. Most had normal BMI and low hypertension prevalence. Vegetables and rice consumption was frequent, while meat and fish intake varied. Urinary phthalate analysis is ongoing.

Conclusions:

This study provides a framework for evaluating health status, metabolic indicators, and phthalate exposure among e-waste workers in Vietnam and support evaluation of occupational health. Clinical Trial: Not applicable