Heavy metals concentrations of surface dust from e-waste recycling and its human health implications in southeast China

Of the different e-waste processing activities carried out in Guiyu, China, the recycling of printed circuit boards is probably the most important input of heavy metals to the surface environment. The recycling procedure involves melting of solder from circuit boards over makeshift coal grills, and removal and sorting of electrical components such as chips, capacitors, and diodes which are sold to electrical appliance factories. Portable household fans are the only precautionary measures taken to reduce worker exposure to toxic solder fumes.