Researchers raise concerns for worker health in Ontario’s e-waste sector

Flame retardants are added to a wide range of products, including electronics and home furnishings, to meet fire safety standards. Flame retardants can be released from these products and enter the surrounding environment, and people can be exposed by breathing in, touching, or ingesting them.

Dr. Victoria Arrandale leads OCRC’s study on flame retardant exposure in Ontario’s electronic waste recycling sector. She spoke to the Workers Health & Safety Centre about the study, and the potential health impacts for workers:

“We know from other studies these chemicals have been associated with endocrine disruption, neurological impacts, reproductive effects, even cancer. The exposure levels we found were surprising and should be cause for further investigation across the sector.” 

Read the full article from the Workers Health & Safety Centre.

Learn more about OCRC’s study of flame retardant exposure among e-waste recycling workers.