Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in e-waste dust

Key Points

• This analysis aims to quantify the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in dust from e-waste recycling facilities.
• Conducted targeted analysis, dTOP assay, and hydrolysis on dust samples.
• Evaluated data from two Canadian e-waste recycling facilities.
• Assessed potential dust ingestion scenarios for workers.
• Detected significant amounts of PFAS precursors in e-waste dust samples.
• Estimated high-exposure scenario suggests concerning levels of dust ingestion.
• Findings raise health risk concerns for workers handling e-waste.