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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-07-2021 | Thalassemia | Original Article

Effect of lead exposure from electronic waste on haemoglobin synthesis in children

Authors: Hongwu Wang, Peng Huang, Ruibiao Zhang, Xueyong Feng, Qiulin Tang, Sixi Liu, Feiqiu Wen, Li Zeng, Yufeng Liu, Tianyou Wang, Lian Ma

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Background

Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling is ongoing in Guiyu, so toxic heavy metals may continue to threaten the health of children in the area.

Objective

This study primarily aimed to evaluate the effect of e-waste exposure on haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis in preschool children.

Methods

Medical examinations were conducted with the permission of children’s guardians and the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Medical College of Shantou University. This study recruited 224 children (aged 3–6 years, exposed group) who lived in Guiyu and 204 children (aged 3–6 years, control group) who lived in a town free of e-waste pollution. Blood levels of lead, Hb, ferritin, folate and vitamin B₁₂ were tested in all children. Furthermore, all children were assessed for thalassemia, and their parents were asked to fill in questionnaires.

Results

There were no significant differences in the level of ferritin, folate, or vitamin B₁₂ between the exposed and control groups (P > 0.05). No children were identified as having thalassemia in all study participants. Blood lead level (BLL) and the risk of children with BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL in the exposed group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.01). Three subgroups of each group were created according to BLL (Group A: < 5.0 µg/dL; Group B: 5.0–9.9 µg/dL; Group C: ≥ 10.0 µg/dL). Hb level decreased with elevated BLL in the exposed group (P = 0.03), but not in the control group (P = 0.14). Hb levels in group B and group C were also significantly lower in the exposed group than in the control group (Group B: 122.6 ± 9.5 g/L versus 125.8 ± 8.2 g/L, P = 0.01; Group C: 120.3 ± 7.3 g/L versus 123.6 ± 8.3 g/L, P = 0.03). In addition, the prevalence of anaemia associated with BLLs above 10 µg/dL and between 5.0 and 9.9 µg/dL were both significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group (4.0% vs. 0.5%, 5.4% vs. 1.5%, respectively, both P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lead exposure more significantly inhibits Hb synthesis in children who live in e-waste dismantling areas than in those who live in non-e-waste dismantling areas. Other toxins released from e-waste may also contribute to the inhibition of Hb synthesis and may lead to anaemia in local children. Further investigations are needed to provide evidence for the development of relevant protective measures.

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Title: Effect of lead exposure from electronic waste on haemoglobin synthesis in children
Authors: Hongwu Wang
Peng Huang
Ruibiao Zhang
Xueyong Feng
Qiulin Tang
Sixi Liu
Feiqiu Wen
Li Zeng
Yufeng Liu
Tianyou Wang
Lian Ma
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Thalassemia
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01619-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effect of lead exposure from electronic waste on haemoglobin synthesis in children

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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