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STUDY AIMS AT EVALUATING THE HEPATOCELLULAR FUNCTION OF E-WASTE WORKERS IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Electronic waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, encompasses discarded electrical and electronic devices that have reached their end of life. The rapid growth of the technology sector has resulted in a significant increase in e-waste generation globally. According to the Global E-waste Monitor, approximately 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2019, and this figure is projected to reach 74.7 million metric tons by 2030 (Baldé et al., 2020). In Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire, as the country has become one of the largest e-waste dumping grounds in Africa. This trend poses substantial environmental and health risks, especially for informal workers involved in the collection and recycling of e-waste.

E-waste workers in Nigeria often operate in hazardous environments, exposing themselves to toxic substances such as heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and cadmium (Akpan et al., 2019). These metals are notorious for their deleterious effects on human health, particularly on vital organs such as the liver, which is responsible for detoxifying harmful substances. Hepatocellular function, a critical aspect of liver health, can be adversely affected by prolonged exposure to these toxic elements. Previous studies have documented significant health implications for individuals exposed to high levels of e-waste, including liver damage and other systemic effects (Wang et al., 2019).

Despite the increasing body of evidence highlighting the risks associated with e-waste exposure, there is a notable gap in research specifically focused on the hepatocellular function of e-waste workers in Nigeria. This lack of localized data is concerning, as it limits our understanding of the specific health impacts of e-waste exposure on this vulnerable population. Moreover, the informal nature of e-waste recycling in Nigeria complicates regulatory oversight and health monitoring, exacerbating the risks for workers. By evaluating the hepatocellular function of e-waste workers in Nigeria, this study aims to provide crucial insights into the health implications of e-waste exposure and inform public health interventions.

The liver plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion (Friedman, 2020). Impaired liver function can lead to a myriad of health complications, including jaundice, cirrhosis, and liver cancer (Parker et al., 2019). The impact of environmental toxins on liver health has been well-documented in various contexts, yet the specific mechanisms by which e-waste exposure influences hepatocellular function remain poorly understood.

Research indicates that the toxicological effects of heavy metals and other hazardous substances found in e-waste can lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular apoptosis, ultimately impairing liver function (Zhang et al., 2021). Furthermore, the combination of

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