Impact of E-Waste Exposure on Reproductive Hormone Disruption

Muneeba Attique; Mirna Denise Díaz Solís; Hamza Shahzad; Hamza Ali Shah

Authors

Muneeba Attique Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, DI Khan, Pakistan Author
Mirna Denise Díaz Solís UMAE Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No.3 “Dr. Victor Manuel Espinosa de los Reyes Sánchez” Centro Médico Nacional “La Raza”, Mexico City, Mexico Author
Hamza Shahzad MBBS, Khyber Medical University IMS, Kohat, Pakistan Author
Hamza Ali Shah MBBS, Khyber Medical University IMS, Kohat, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

e-waste, endocrine disruption, health risks, electronic devices, environmental contamination

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of electronic devices and the subsequent increase in electronic waste (e-waste) have raised concerns about potential health risks associated with improper handling and disposal. This two-year longitudinal study involving 160 participants aimed to evaluate the association between e-waste exposure and endocrine disruption-related health risks. The results showed increased levels of reproductive hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (mean: 4.2 ng/mL, SD: 0.9 ng/mL), luteinizing hormone (LH) (mean: 6.1 ng/mL, SD: 1.3 ng/mL), and testosterone (mean: 520 ng/dL, SD: 80 ng/dL) among e-waste recycling workers compared to control groups, indicating a potential endocrine-disrupting effect. Additionally, individuals residing near e-waste recycling sites exhibited higher levels of urinary di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, further suggesting a link between e-waste exposure and endocrine disruption. These findings contribute to understanding the health risks associated with e-waste and highlight the importance of addressing proper disposal practices and regulatory measures.

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