A new study published on 6 July 2026 in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that workers involved in e-waste recycling are exposed to elevated levels of plasticisers commonly found in electronic products. Researchers combined wearable passive samplers with urinary biomonitoring to assess exposure among e-waste dismantling workers, providing a detailed picture of occupational contact with hazardous chemicals released during recycling activities.
The study detected continuous exposure to three major groups of plastic additives: phthalates, alternative plasticisers, and organophosphate esters. While phthalates were found at the highest concentrations in workplace monitoring devices, urine samples indicated that alternative plasticisers contributed the largest share of workers’ estimated daily chemical intake. These findings demonstrate that dismantling discarded electronics exposes workers to complex mixtures of chemicals through multiple pathways.
Researchers found a strong correlation between environmental measurements and biological samples, confirming that dismantling activities are a significant source of occupational exposure. Although the estimated exposure levels were higher than those typically reported for the general population, the study concluded that the measured concentrations did not exceed current health risk thresholds. Nevertheless, the authors emphasized that continuous exposure to multiple chemicals warrants closer monitoring and improved workplace protections.
The findings reinforce growing concerns about occupational health in the expanding e-waste recycling sector. As demand for consumer electronics continues to increase, so does the volume of discarded devices requiring dismantling and recycling. The researchers recommend integrating environmental monitoring with biomonitoring to better identify exposure risks and inform occupational safety measures. Strengthening ventilation systems, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, and improving handling practices could help reduce chemical exposure and promote safer working conditions for e-waste recycling workers.
The sampling campaign was performed at an e-waste dismantling facility in Catalonia (Spain).
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Full citation:
Callejas-Martos S, den Ouden F, Cleys P, Belova L, Covaci A, Eljarrat E. Plasticiser exposure assessment in E-waste recycling workers linking passive samplers and urinary biomonitoring. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2026 Jul 6;514:142907. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142907. Online ahead of print. PMID: 42424950.
