Electrical and electronic devices are becoming an increasingly important part of our society. In Africa, and in Senegal in particular, the handling and management of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) that has reached the end of its life is mainly informal. This professional environment is characterized by the disintegration of the sector and the social heterogeneity that can be found there. The objective of this study is to assess the standard of living of electrical and electronic equipment waste handlers in the Dakar region, as well as their perception of their health. A survey was used to obtain information on sociodemographic background, living arrangements, perception of health status, and good practices to be implemented in case of work-related health problems. Life style, perception of general health and health problems were ranged as excellent, very good, good, average and poor. Informal recyclers in the Dakar region lived mainly in rooms and buildings as tenants (49.1%), or in family homes (48.4%) before starting this activity, and 51.2% continue to live in rooms and buildings as tenants compared to 41.4% who still live in a family home. The perception of health status ranged from poor to excellent, and 4.9% believe that they are limited in work due to a disability or health problem. Informal work is a heterogeneous phenomenon that makes research and policymaking particularly complex. There are several external factors within informal WEEE re-cyclers that can cause health problems or functional disability. However, the living conditions and the perception they have of their state of health are contradictory to the working conditions and the social environment to which they belong. A biomedical approach would consolidate these achievements by confirming or invalidating them.

Background: The welding trade includes many industrial activities in both the formal and informal sectors. Workers in this professional environment do not have access to individual and collective means of protection adapted to the activity, which exposes them to the dust emitted during their activity and therefore contributes to increasing the risk of developing respiratory disorders in this population. Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the ventilatory function of metal welders in the city of Dakar. Method: This was a comparative study based on the analysis of the spirometric parameters of metal welders working in the city of Dakar (Senegal) with those of a control group of the same kind, selected from the general population. Measurements of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid expiratory flow (MMEF) were measured. Results: A total of 75 men between the ages of 19 and 61 were recruited and divided into two groups (43 controls and 32 welders). The welding population had more frequent distal and central obstructions and pulmonary restriction compared to the control group. The metals most commonly used by welders were aluminum for welders who had an obstruction, while for those who had a restriction, iron was the most used metal. Signs of metal fever were frequently found in welders, especially those with ventilatory disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory disorders observed is close to that observed in industrial environments, where exposure levels are the highest. The lack of personal protective equipment could also be a significant risk factor in the development of these disorders.

In developing countries, despite the fact that most waste is composed mainly of materials of plant origin, the increasing industrialization of communities is increasingly involved in the generation of waste from industrial and agricultural activities and chemical remains.

Paints are used in the cladding of buildings and structures, for the decoration of works, but also in industry. Some elements found in these paints, such as lead used as a pigment to improve the quality of the paint, can cause damage to health. This pilot study aimed to determine lead concentrations in paint samples taken from professional painters and conducted a risk assessment of these individuals. A semi-directional survey was conducted to record data on the socio-demographic characteristics, employment history and work environment of paint handlers. Lead concentrations in paint were determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry and by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Several clinical signs with a neurological, respiratory, dermatological, digestive and ophthalmological orientation were recorded during the survey. A total of 15 paint samples were also collected at the construction sites. Quantitative analysis of the paints showed that 40% of the samples had a concentration greater than 90 ppm and only one sample had a risk index below 1. Our results show that there are still lead levels in paints used in Senegal above the limit set by the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lead in Paint, which is 90 ppm. Thus, a more in-depth study should be carried out to avoid the social and economic impact that could result.

Water contamination by chemical pollutants is increasingly associated with waterborne diseases worldwide. The objective of this study is to assess the chemical health risk associated with drinking water consumption in Dakar, Senegal. The methodology adopted in this study is based on the determination of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu and Mn) in human drinking water by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, the estimation of the exposure of populations of the study area on the basis of the quantity of water consumed daily and the determination of the hazard quotient which allows estimating the health risk. The results indicate unacceptable levels of Pb and Cd in the water according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, while the concentrations of Fe, Cu and Mn are below the regulatory values. The hazard quotient (HQ) is in the majority of samples higher than 1 in children and infants for scenario 1 (based on WHO data), reflecting a high risk for this tar-get. In scenario 2 based on consumption data from the populations studied, the HQ is greater than 1 only in heavy consumers. The drinking water consumed by Dakar population presents health risks related to Pb and Cd, particularly for infants, children and heavy consumers, hence the need to strengthen the water treatment system before home consumption.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the presence of respiratory diseases in foundry and welding workers, for this work may be associated with permanent exposure to metal dust and fumes. The study covered 179 welders living in the city of Dakar (Senegal). Their mean age was 30.27 +/- 11.09 years and their mean duration of work activity 11.28 +/- 6.4 years. The results of the survey show that 98.2% of the subjects had no known history of respiratory conditions, while 1.8% reported previous asthma-related disorders. After spirometry, 61.1% of subjects were shown to have respiratory disorders: 42.1% asthma, 10.5% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 8.4% restrictive lung disorders. Half of those with asthma were aged between 20 and 30 years and had an average duration of exposure of 6.6 +/- 4.8 years. More than half of the respondents with COPD (70%) were between 30 and 40 years of age and had an average occupational exposure of 17 +/- 8.5 years, while some 75% of subjects with restrictive pulmonary disorders were between 35 and 42 years of age and had 14.3 +/- years of work experience. Welding and foundry working conditions appear to be an important cause of respiratory disorders, especially asthma and COPD.