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. 2019 Nov;63(1):938-942.
doi: 10.1177/1071181319631219. Epub 2019 Nov 20.

Processes and Challenges associated with informal electronic waste recycling at Agbogbloshie, a suburb of Accra, Ghana

Augustine A Acquah  1 , Clive D'Souza  2 , Bernard Martin  2 , John Arko-Mensah  1 , Afua Amoabeng Nti  1 , Lawrencia Kwarteng  1 , Sylvia Takyi  1 , Isabella A Quakyi  1 , Thomas G Robins  3 , Julius N Fobil  1
Affiliations

Processes and Challenges associated with informal electronic waste recycling at Agbogbloshie, a suburb of Accra, Ghana

Augustine A Acquah et al. Proc Hum Factors Ergon Soc Annu Meet. 2019 Nov.

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a worldwide problem with regards to its increasing rate in the global waste stream. Its recycling is known to be associated with adverse health outcomes. The recycling site at Agbogbloshie is a major e-waste recycling hub which presents enormous health threats to the residents in this community as a result of exposure to complex mixtures of chemicals associated with the poor work methods employed. This paper describes the processes involved in e-waste recycling at Agbogbloshie and discusses some of the associated health and psychosocial challenges. Direct field observations and in-depth interviews of eight e-waste workers were conducted from November, 2017 to December, 2017. Results from a thematic analysis of obtained data suggest that inappropriate recycling methods, financial constraints, and the high physical demands of e-waste recycling work were associated with adverse musculoskeletal health conditions among the workers. A more systematic ergonomic study is currently being undertaken to quantify the associations between physical work exposures and worker musculoskeletal health among e-waste workers in Agbogbloshie. Further studies are needed that focus on locally adapted ergonomic interventions for effective recycling of e-waste and reducing the health risk to workers.

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Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Flowchart showing e-waste recycling processes at Agbogbloshie.
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Picture showing the three main e-waste activities performed at Agbogbloshie.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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