Abstract
Processing Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) causes serious environmental problems, especially when WEEE is processed in uncontrolled conditions. WEEE recycling under controlled conditions consists of the following major steps: disassembly, upgrading and refinement. Disassembly is usually done manually, and, at this stage, certain components (cases, external cables, cathode ray tubes [CRTs], printed circuit boards [PCBs], batteries etc.) are separated. This activity releases coarse and fine particles, which may also contain additional noxious substances, into the atmosphere. The current study determines the concentration of indoor PM10 in a Greek plant for the dismantling and temporary storage of WEEE, based on a short-term sampling campaign. Elemental concentrations in the PM10 have also been determined. Results show that the indoor PM10 concentration in the disassembly area did not exceed the time-weighted average (TWA) for total particles set by Greek legislation or the 8-h TWA for total particles set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Nevertheless, these concentrations were higher than those measured in the ambient air of Greek cities. Regarding the measured elements, Zn, As, Br, Pb and Cd were quite enriched in PM10, indicating significant indoor sources. Factor analysis of elements of possible anthropogenic origin showed a clear distinction between cathode ray tubes (CRT) and other possible sources. Finally, the risk assessment for metals of toxicological concern showed a non-negligible lifetime risk for 8-h workers. This is the first report of WEEE indoor air pollution in Greece and its associated origins and effects.
Highlights
Management of Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has been listed among the priority issues in European and national policies related to waste management (2003/108/EC, 2012/19/EU)
Results show that the indoor PM10 concentration in the disassembly area did not exceed the timeweighted average (TWA) for total particles set by Greek legislation or the 8-h TWA for total particles set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
This study aims at enriching our knowledge on the state of the art of organized WEEE recycling facilities in developed countries, as well as on the risks and problems that may arise from these activities
Summary
Management of Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has been listed among the priority issues in European and national policies related to waste management (2003/108/EC, 2012/19/EU). WEEE management has become an urgent issue due to substances included in WEEE which are often hazardous as well as due to the increasing amounts of WEEE that are produced worldwide. Dioxins may be formed as the original e-waste components are degraded (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, 2011) and polybrominated diphenyl-ethers may be released from the surface of these e-products (Gou et al, 2016). The best option, both from an environmental and a recovery efficiency point of view, is to recycle the WEEE; the recycling process may cause serious environmental problems, especially when taking place informally under uncontrolled conditions. Several research works have been published on the uncontrolled recycling of WEEE, and especially on case studies in developing countries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
