Genotoxicity of recycled electronic waste in Idhna, Hebron District, occupied Palestinian territory: a case-controlled study

Abstract

BackgroundElectronics waste is solid waste that accumulates because of the short lifespan of many types of electronic equipment. Most electronics waste ends up in landfills, whereas some is recycled. In the occupied Palestinian territory, the village of Idhna in the Hebron District is a large site for recycling electronics waste (much of this waste originates from Israel). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of electronics waste on human DNA damage and chromosome breaks. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited non-smoker individuals with direct exposure to electronics waste either because they were employed in the workshops or resident in Idhna. Control participants were selected to match the test sample in age and sex distribution, were recruited from Bethlehem and Al-Aizariya (Bethany). Blood samples in sodium heparin were evaluated for DNA damage using the COMET assay, whereas chromosome aberrations were tested by using conventional cytogenetic techniques. Findings46 participants were included in the test sample, and 16 participants were included in the control sample. Participants in the test sample had an average of 3·77 chromosomes with aberrations (SD 2·5), whereas participants in the control group had an average of 0·75 chromosomes with aberrations (SD 0·61). The frequency of chromatid and chromosome breaks, formation of rings, and total chromosome aberrations was statistically different between exposed and control samples, but no difference was observed between exposed and controls for the incidence of dicenterics and tetraploidy. Results of the Comet assay showed a significant difference in DNA damage between exposed and control participants (p<0·05). No difference between the workers and the residents living in the area was noted (p<0·05). InterpretationExposure to recycled electronics waste in Idhna has potentially adverse health consequences. This is the second study of this kind in the occupied Palestinian territories. Hammad and Qumsiyeh (2013) have previously shown substantial genotoxic effects of Israeli industrial settlement discharge on human populations in Salfit (northern West Bank). Considering increased incidence of cancer and congenital birth defects in the southern part of the West Bank, these findings were important in promoting the case for mitigation measures, which are now under way. FundingNone.