Risk Of Environmental Contamination Research Articles

Healthcare Application of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA): Is There Room in the Infectious Disease Setting? A Scoping Review.

Background: Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a valuable risk analysis tool aimed at predicting the potential failures of a system and preventing them from occurring. Since its initial use, it has also recently been applied to the healthcare setting, which has been made progressively more complex by technological developments and new challenges. Infection prevention and control (IPC) is an area that requires effective strategies. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the employment of FMEA in the healthcare environment, with special consideration for its application in the infectious disease setting. Methods: An extensive search was carried out in two international and public databases, PUBMED and EMBASE; we included all studies regarding the use of FMEA in hospital settings and human patient care processes. Results: A total of 163 studies published over the period from 2003 to 2023 were included for data extraction. These studies were analyzed regarding bibliometric data (publication year and country of origin), the healthcare issues to be addressed, the application fields, and the utilized FMEA methods. Among these, 13 studies were found that took an interest in infectious diseases. Conclusions: FMEA can be effectively used for healthcare risk assessment. Its implementation as a standard tool in healthcare settings, though demanding, may serve as an important tool for preventing the risk of biohazard incidents, epidemics, and environmental contamination, thereby improving safety for both patients and healthcare workers.

An effective strategy for high-value utilization of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) through reductive alkali roasting and physical separation

Currently, calcium-free roasted chromite ore processing residue (COPR) is the primary. Cr (VI)-containing by-product in chromate production industry. Given its significant. content of metal resources, appropriate measures should be implemented to effectively. harness its potential while mitigating environmental contamination risks. Herein, the. reductive alkali roasting process, in conjunction with physical separation techniques,. was proposed for the transformation of spinel in COPR into readily separable forms for. extraction. It was demonstrated that under the optimal roasting conditions. (COPR∶Na2CO3∶coke=20∶6.9∶2.96, 1100 ℃, 1hour), an extraction rate of Al. components at 72.14% and a Fe oxides metallization rate at 89.06% in COPR were. achieved. With CO2 bubbling, the extracted Al was finally recovered as Al2O3 product. of high purity. Due to the viscosity decreased by Al extracting, the melting separation. was more effective than magnetic separation in extracting metal iron from the Alextracted. residue. Finally, the Cr enriched slag was utilized to re-produce chromate as. an extraction rate of 95.23%. This study is based on a significant phase transformation. of spinel in COPR into NaAlO2, Fe, and NaCrO2, which was demonstrated to be. induced by the synergistic effect of Na2CO3 and coke. Moreover, the findings in this. study provides novel insights for the utilization of COPR or similar industrial waste, and. also can be extended to the extraction of Al, Fe and Cr from minerals. Response to Reviewers

Особливості взаємодії лігатури Fe-Ni-Cr-Cu-Mn з сірим чавуном

The use of antifriction cast irons operating under lubrication conditions for manufacturing machine and mechanism parts is currently inefficient and unjustified due to the need for continuous lubrication. This complicates maintenance, increases the risk of environmental contamination by lubricants, and also results in relatively low strength and resistance to impact loads. This work investigates the possibility of creating an antifriction material with self-lubricating capabilities during operation by alloying gray cast iron with the Fe-Ni-Cr-Cu-Mn alloy system. The process of obtaining the alloy is explored with the aim of developing technological conditions for producing a high-entropy alloy by casting. The research was conducted using metallographic, X-ray phase, and chemical analysis methods. Technological modes for the production of the Fe-Ni-Cr-Cu-Mn alloy have been developed. It consists of two solid solutions with FCC lattices and complex carbides (FeCr)7C3. It was shown that its liquidus and solidus temperatures (1346 °C and 1004 °C, respectively) are relatively low, which makes it suitable for alloying gray cast iron. This allows avoiding significant overheating and holding during alloying, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the process. It was established that the optimal amount of alloy addition to gray cast iron is 0.5% by weight, and the resulting alloyed material, in terms of its chemical composition, structure, and properties, is closest to standardized antifriction cast irons. The use of the Fe-Ni-Cr-Cu-Mn alloy provides an opportunity to develop an energy-efficient technological process for producing an antifriction material capable of self-lubricating during friction.

Does Microplastic Contamination in Agricultural Soils Decrease the Efficiency of Herbicides for Weed Control?

The contamination of agricultural soils by microplastics (MPs) has significant implications for herbicide efficacy and soil health. This study investigates the effects of MPs on critical processes such as the sorption, desorption, and degradation of herbicides, highlighting their influence on these compounds’ mobility, persistence, and bioavailability. MPs interact with herbicides through sorption mechanisms, often reducing the availability of these compounds for weed control by retaining them on their surfaces. This sorption not only limits the immediate efficacy of herbicides but also alters their desorption process, resulting in a prolonged release into the soil environment. Additionally, MPs can inhibit microbial activity involved in herbicide degradation, increasing the time degradation of the half-life of these substances and extending their persistence in the environment. These processes collectively enhance the risks of bioaccumulation and environmental contamination. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of MPs on herbicide performance and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

An Antibacterial and Antioxidant Food Packaging Film Based on Amphiphilic Polypeptides-Resveratrol-Chitosan.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging films play a crucial role in extending food shelf life, maintaining quality, and enhancing safety by inhibiting microbial growth and slowing oxidation processes. However, most commercial preservative films suffer from limited antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Moreover, these films are made from petroleum-based materials that degrade into microplastics, resulting in environmental contamination and potential health risks for humans. Herein, an antibacterial and antioxidant food packaging film (CS-SAP@R) is developed by integrating star-shaped amphiphilic polypeptides (SAP) and resveratrol (R) into the chitosan (CS) matrix. The incorporation of SAP not only effectively addresses the existing compatibility issues between the highly hydrophobic resveratrol and water-soluble CS film, but also significantly enhances the antimicrobial properties of CS. Additionally, the well-integrated resveratrol molecules endow the film with superior antioxidant properties. Furthermore, CS-SAP@R has achieved bacterial killing rates of 97.31% against E. coli and 99.05% against S. aureus. The enhanced characteristics of the CS-SAP@R film contribute to its exceptional preservation performance, effectively extending the shelf life of perishable products by ≈3 days when stored at 4°C. These remarkable attributes underscore the benefits of polypeptide-based biopolymers and demonstrate the potential applicability of the CS-SAP@R film in effectively safeguarding perishable products.

Sustainable Management of Pollutant Transport in Defective Composite Liners of Landfills: A Semi-Analytical Model

This study presents an analytical model for two-dimensional pollutant transport within a three-layer composite liner system, which comprises a geomembrane (GM), a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), and a soil liner (SL), with particular attention to defects in the geomembrane. The model integrates key processes such as convection, diffusion, adsorption, and degradation, offering a more accurate prediction of pollutant behavior. Through Laplace and Fourier transforms, pollutant concentration distributions are derived, providing a comprehensive view of pollutant migration in landfill settings. Verification against COMSOL 6.0 simulations underscores the model’s robustness. Results show that there is an optimal thickness for the SL that balances the effectiveness of pollutant containment and material usage, while higher diffusion coefficients and advection velocity accelerate migration. The degradation of organic pollutants reduces concentrations over time, especially with shorter half-lives. These findings not only improve the design of landfill liners but also support more sustainable waste management practices by reducing the risk of environmental contamination. This research contributes to the development of more effective, long-lasting landfill containment systems, enhancing sustainability in waste management infrastructure.

Organophosphate pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables in Nigeria: prevalence, environmental impact, and human health implications.

Pesticides have become indispensable in modern agriculture, aiding in crop protection, and ensuring food security. However, their extensive use has raised concerns about environmental contamination and human health risks. This manuscript reviews the prevalence of organophosphate pesticide (OPP) use in Nigerian agriculture and explores methods for detecting pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. Despite the critical role of pesticides in safeguarding crop yields, the lack of regulatory enforcement and monitoring in Nigeria poses significant challenges. The review underscores the importance of understanding the health implications of pesticide residues in food. While acute and sub-chronic health effects of OPP exposure have been studied, there remains a need for a focused review of the long-term impacts, particularly in the context of limited regulatory oversight. Additionally, the manuscript highlights gaps in knowledge regarding the effects of pesticides on biodiversity, ecosystems, and vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Recommendations include longitudinal studies to assess cumulative and delayed health consequences, systematic reporting of poisoning incidents, and routine analysis of food products to ensure safety. By addressing these gaps, a more comprehensive understanding of the consequences of OPP usage in Nigeria can be achieved, facilitating the development of effective risk management strategies to protect both the environment and public health.

Morphological Alterations and Oxidative Stress Induction in Danio rerio Liver After Short-Term Exposure to the Strobilurin Fungicide Dimoxystrobin

Unlike many other fungicides, strobilurins are applied several times during the growing season for prophylactic purposes, thus heightening the risk of environmental contamination. In the EU, the dimoxystrobin approval period lasted for 17 years. It has been classified as moderately toxic to birds and highly toxic to earthworms, and it is suspected to be carcinogenic to humans. However, it is still commercialized in several countries. The effects of dimoxystrobin are still largely underexplored, with only three studies reporting sublethal alterations in fish. Here, we evaluated for the first time the effects of dimoxystrobin on zebrafish liver after short-term exposure (96 h) to two sublethal and environmentally relevant concentrations (6.56 and 13.13 μg/L), providing evidence of morphological, functional, and ultrastructural modifications. We revealed severe alterations encompassing three reaction patterns: circulatory disturbance, regressive and progressive changes, which also showed a dose-dependent trend. Furthermore, we revealed that dimoxystrobin induced a significant increase in lipid content, a decrease in glycogen granules and affected the defensive response against oxidative stress through a significant downregulation of SOD and CAT. The information presented here demonstrates that the hazardous properties of dimoxystrobin may result from several pathological events involving multiple targets. Our results also emphasize the importance of the combined use of morphological, ultrastructural and functional investigation in ecotoxicological studies.

Characterization of Physical and Chemical Properties of Multi-Source Metallurgical Dust and Analysis of Resource Utilization Pathways

Steel metallurgical dust, characterized by a substantial output, minute particle size, and intricate composition, poses a considerable risk of environmental contamination while simultaneously embodying an exceptionally high potential for recycling. To achieve its resource utilization, chemical analysis, particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and water leaching methods were employed to investigate the chemical compositions, particle size distributions, phase compositions, and microscopic morphologies of blast furnace bag dust, sintering dust, converter fine dust, and electric arc furnace dust from steel plants. The results indicate that the four types of dust have extremely fine particle sizes, with the main distribution range of particle size being less than 100 μm. The main constituent element is Fe (19–56%), and it also contains Zn (1.4–33.5%), Pb, K, C, and other valuable elements. Alkali metals in blast furnace bag dust and sintering machine head dust existed mainly in the form of chloride. The zinc phases in sintering machine head dust and converter fine dust were ZnFe2O4, and the zinc phases in blast furnace bag dust were ZnCl2 and ZnFe2O4. Zinc in electric furnace dust was composed of ZnO and ZnFe2O4, accounting for 70.31% and 23.12%, respectively. There are significant differences in the types and contents of valuable elements among various dusts, making it difficult to achieve full-scale recovery through a single process. In view of this, a process of “in-plant recycling of harmless dusts—collaborative treatment of harmful dusts” has been proposed. Based on the characteristics of metallurgical dusts, multiple processes are used for collaborative treatment (using hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods), which can not only directly recover iron resources from dusts within the plant, but also avoid the waste of valuable elements such as Zn, Pb, K, Na, etc. It is hoped that the above work can provide a reference for steel enterprises to achieve full-scale and high value-added treatment of metallurgical dusts.

Preliminary Studies on the Utilization of Silicomanganese Slurry

Abstract Silico-manganese sludges are a waste resulting from the ferroalloy industry, more precisely from the manufacture of silico-manganese. From a technological point of view, they come from the sludge resulting from the filtration of furnace gases. From a chemical point of view, they are made up of a large number of combinations of manganese and silicon. The manganese content varies widely between 5-35% MnO. Due to the fact as there are limitations for the manganese content in waters and soils, the presence of these sludge deposits constitutes a permanent risk of environmental contamination. In addition to the definitive closure (greening) of the deposit, there is also the possibility of valorizing this waste. The present paper presents the preliminary research carried out to identify a sustainable technology for the recovery of useful elements from the sludge.

Моделирование движения нефтяного загрязнения в районе западного побережья Калининградского полуострова

The relevance of the study is determined by the need to improve forecasting and assessment of oil contamination in the Southeastern Baltic area based on the application of mathematical modeling methods for environmental contamination processes in order to increase the safety level in case of accidents in water bodies. In the sphere of oil spills, the liquidation of consequences of emergencies, increasing efficiency, and the development of new localization methods and mechanical sampling using forecasting systems are prioritized. At the same time, the tendency to increase volumes of maritime transportation remains, which causes a high risk of environmental contamination from ships and cargo terminals classified as hazardous production facilities. The most important area of environmental protection in this sphere is forecasting the consequences of oil contamination and the development of protection measures based on its results. Notably, the Southeastern sector is the most contaminated area of the Baltic Sea with petroleum products. Therefore, the study's objective is to forecast the movement of oil spills and compare the obtained results with the earlier investigations in the Southeastern Baltic area based on the example of oil contamination in the Western part of the Kaliningrad (Sambi) Peninsula. For such purposes, a situational mathematical model of oil spills has been built using the Pisces II software and compared with the forecast results using the Seatrack Web software; emergency maps have been developed. Methods of georeferencing, numerical simulation modeling of oil spills, and decomposition of emergencies have been used.

Assessment of faecal sludge quality, heavy metal contamination, and ecological risk: implications for sustainable agriculture

Pit latrines represent the predominant form of on-site sanitation in Botswana, posing unique challenges in faecal sludge (FS) management. The key concerns revolve around FS extraction, treatment, and safe disposal. Currently, co-treatment with wastewater is the primary approach, but it strains wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and compromises effluent quality. This study comprehensively assesses FS quality from pit latrines and evaluates the potential health risks when used in agriculture for soil improvement/amendment. Systematic sampling of soils at various depth intervals, approximately 30 cm apart, was conducted, followed by extensive laboratory analysis, including determination of heavy metals (copper, iron, lead, cadmium, zinc, manganese, and arsenic) using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and nutrient analysis using ion chromatography (IC). The findings unequivocally demonstrate that FS from VIP (ventilated improved pit) latrines poses no significant health risks due to heavy metal content. Specifically, Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) values for nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) were consistently negative, indicating negligible risk of environmental contamination. Copper (Cu) concentrations averaged 40.36 mg/kg in samples collected from Mogoditshane and 591.61 mg/kg in those collected from Broadhurst (Gaborone, Botswana) with Igeo values indicating a moderate pollution risk. Nutrient analysis showed high levels of nitrogen (NO3−), with concentrations reaching 4.47 × 103 mg/kg in some samples, and phosphorus (PO43−) levels as high as 3.9 × 104 mg/kg. These findings highlight its agricultural potential for soil amendment, though prudent management is needed to mitigate eutrophication. The study advocates for separate FS treatment, resolving co-treatment operational challenges and enhancing sustainability. Implementing these recommendations promises to address FS management issues, bolster food security, and enhance Botswana’s ecological well-being.

Radiation Dose Calculation Analysis During The Dismantling of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources at CNESTEN: MCNP Code Simulation Results

Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS) present significant risks of radiation exposure and environmental contamination during dismantling. Despite their sealed nature, DSRS can emit ionizing radiation, necessitating careful management to mitigate health risks. This article presents the MCNP simulation results of dosimetric operational quantities, namely Hp(3), Hp(10), and H(0.07), for hands and feet. This study focuses on a 60Co source, due to its high radiation energy levels and widespread use in various socioeconomic sectors. The assessment of radiation exposure levels enabled the improvement of occupational radiation protection measures related to critical areas and steps in the dismantling process. According to the obtained results with the 60Co source at its initial activity, and considering the maximum task duration, the dismantling process contributes to approximately 72.35 % of the daily dose limit of 80 µSv for worker category A, for the whole body. Therefore, these findings can contribute to a better understanding of radiation exposure risks and confirm compliance with regulatory requirements.

Towards a comprehensive methodology for ecotoxicological assessment: Prioritizing plant protection products for mixture testing in edge-of-field surface waterbodies

Pesticide applications in agriculture result in complex mixtures of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) in the environment. The ecotoxicological effects of these mixtures can occur at concentrations considered safe for individual chemicals, indicating potential risks underestimated by current regulatory assessments focused on individual active ingredients. To address this challenge, our study introduces a methodology for identifying priority PPPs for formulating mixtures, enabling further ecotoxicological testing in water and sediment compartments of edge-of-field surface water bodies, targeting pelagic and benthic organisms. This methodology was primarily based on the actual quantification of PPPs present in these compartments from selected case study sites (CSSs) in Europe and Argentina (11 and 4 for water and sediments, respectively). A conceptual framework was developed that discriminates and selects concerning PPPs based on their individual risk quotient and frequency of occurrence in each CSS, drawing upon two EU regulatory risk assessment approaches, i.e., the general approach under REACH for any environmental contaminant of concern – the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) approach; and that specifically focusing on PPPs – the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approach. Irrespective of whether the focus is on water or sediments, the study revealed disparities in PPP rankings depending on the approach used to identify PPPs of concern, with the ECHA approach being more conservative than the EFSA approach. Despite this, the EFSA approach follows a more standardized assessment factor definition strategy, potentially allowing avoidance of risk overestimation, as well as resulting in a more balanced representation of different PPP classes for subsequent mixtures testing. Overall, the methodological development reported herein, along with the inconsistencies found when comparing different regulatory approaches to assess the risk of environmental contaminants, highlight the need for further discussion on the most appropriate directions towards the standardization of the regulatory risk assessment of PPP mixtures.

Responsible use of parasiticides in pets

Parasiticides are an integral part of parasite treatment and prevention in pets. Despite their importance as life-saving medications and a major contributor to better health and quality of life, widespread and inappropriate use of parasiticides could have important consequences. Concerns over parasite control practices involving ‘blanket-treatment’ have caused key organisations to call for more responsible use of parasiticides to minimise the risk of environmental contamination and limit the development of antiparasitic drug resistance. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to follow a more targeted and individualised risk-based approach to parasite control. However, successful adoption and effective implementation of this new approach requires the veterinary profession to overcome many barriers and contextual differences in the way effective parasite control is perceived by the various stakeholders. Recently, evidence-based diagnosis (treatment based on confirmed diagnosis) together with antiparasitic drug stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antiparasitic use in pets which do not benefit from treatment) have been suggested to reconcile the trade-offs between avoiding parasiticide overuse and achieving effective parasite control. Although these new approaches cannot yet fully address the challenges of attaining optimal parasite control, they have the potential to improve the outcomes of parasite treatment and preserve the efficacy of parasiticides, the most essential component of any parasite control regimen.

Application of QuEChERS extraction and LC–MS/MS for determination of pharmaceuticals in sewage sludges sampled across the Czech Republic

The use of pharmaceuticals entails a significant risk of environmental contamination. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered to be the main contributors to contamination as they ineffectively eliminate these compounds from wastewater. Simultaneously, they produce solid waste, sludge, which often contains a variety of retained pollutants, including pharmaceuticals. Since sewage sludge is frequently applied to agricultural soil due to its rich nutrient content, pollutants are introduced into the environment in this way. Only a few studies have been carried out on the topic of the analysis of pharmaceuticals in sludge. Therefore, information on the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in sludge is limited. The present study employed quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis to establish a simple and reliable procedure for determining 16 pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and β-blockers) in sewage sludge. The method has been thoroughly validated, and parameters such as linear range, accuracy, precision, matrix effects and detection and quantification limits were assessed. Our method achieved low limits of quantification (0.5–9.0 µg kg−1) and satisfactory recoveries (51–101%). Forty sludge samples from different WWTPs across the Czech Republic were analysed. Fourteen compounds were detected and quantified in most samples, with antidepressants having the highest detection frequency and overall content. Sertraline, with a mean concentration of 521.0 µg kg−1, was notably prevalent alongside its metabolite norsertraline (mean concentration 204.9 µg kg−1). The antibiotic azithromycin was also found at higher levels (mean concentration 185.1 µg kg−1).

ASSESSMENT OF THE CONCENTRATION OF HEAVY METALS IN ELECTRONIC WASTE DUMP SITE IN ALABA INTERNATIONAL MARKET, LAGOS STATE

This research investigates the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, and Ni) at e-waste dump sites in Lagos, Nigeria. Measuring the concentration and distribution of heavy metals across different soil depths and comparing these concentrations in soil and water samples. For this purpose, 78 soil samples were taken from different sampling points, and analyses were carried out following standard procedures. The soil samples retrieved from the e-waste site consistently exhibit a sandy soil texture, as per the USDA classification system. It was found that Cu generally has the highest concentrations in the soil layers (2022.20-2312.67mgkg-1) while Cd generally has the least (16.32-22.62 mgkg-1). The elements observed for this study are Cu > Pd >Ni > Cd. Overall, this comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the environmental contamination and health risks posed by e-waste dump sites, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies to mitigate these risks and protect human health and the environment.

The impact of pesticides: Assessing residue persistence, environmental contamination, and human health risks

The intensification of agricultural practices to meet global food demand has led to extensive pesticide use, which poses significant challenges for food safety, environmental health, and human well-being. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the global use of pesticides in agriculture, focusing on the persistence of pesticide residues in food crops, their environmental impacts, and the associated health risks. Historically, pesticides have been integral to agricultural productivity, but their adverse effects have become increasingly clear. Notably, pesticide residues in food can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. This review also discusses regional disparities in pesticide-related health outcomes, with a focus on Brazil. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable pest management practices, including organic farming and improved regulatory measures, to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide use. By integrating these strategies, a more balanced and sustainable agricultural system can be achieved, safeguarding both human health and environmental quality.

Understanding one health challenges in marginalized urban settings: A patient and public involvement (PPI) approach from the CHIP consortium activities across four global cities

BackgroundSlum communities face health risks influenced by environmental, human, and animal health factors, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Tailored, community-driven solutions are needed to address these multifactorial health determinants. This study explores One Health challenges in urban slums using a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) approach. ObjectivesThis study aims to use qualitative methods within a PPI framework to examine the social, environmental, and animal health factors contributing to AMR and other health challenges in urban slums. Focusing on One Health, we engaged slum residents in Jaipur, Jakarta, Antofagasta, and Istanbul through participatory approaches like social mapping and transect walks to identify health risks and develop intervention strategies. MethodsA PPI approach was employed to involve communities in the research process, ensuring culturally relevant insights. Data collection included social mapping, transect walks, and key informant interviews in the four cities, highlighting critical health determinants such as environmental contamination, healthcare access, and animal-related risks. Thematic analysis identified common challenges and intervention opportunities within the One Health framework. ConclusionThe study underscores the importance of PPI in addressing One Health challenges in urban slums and reveals interconnected human, environmental, and animal health risks. Engaging communities fostered trust and provided locally relevant solutions to complex health issues like AMR. Future interventions should be co-designed with communities to address social determinants like sanitation and healthcare access for sustainable outcomes.

PBDEs and dechlorane plus contamination in community e-waste recycling: Environmental and health implications in Northeastern Thailand

Electronic waste (e-waste) poses significant environmental and health risks in Thailand due to both domestic production and international imports. A notable portion of this waste is processed in small-scale, community-based workshops, often located in poorer regions, where safety regulations are improperly enforced or entirely ignored. This study focuses on the Kalasin province in Northern Thailand, a region with numerous such workshops, where no comprehensive analysis of exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechlorane plus (DP) has been conducted. The study's objective was to quantify these toxic substances in environmental and biological samples to assess its contamination and human health risks. Environmental samples, including soil, dust, sediment, ash, eggs, crabs, snails, fish, and rice, were collected from e-waste processing sites and compared with control areas. Blood samples from e-waste workers and a control group were also analysed. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry operated in negative ion chemical ionization (GC-NCI-MS) was used to quantify PBDEs and DP isomers. Results showed significantly higher concentrations of these toxic compounds in e-waste sites compared to control areas. E-waste workers also had elevated levels of these substances in their blood, suggesting exposure through contaminated dust and food. These findings underscore the severe environmental contamination and health risks associated with improper e-waste management, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures and improved recycling practices to safeguard both environmental and public health.