Phthalate and non-phthalate plastic additives associated with size segregated airborne particles collected in e-waste recycling plants

Airborne particulate matter of different size ranges, including the ultrafine fraction (PM0.1), were collected in three e-waste treatment plants processing products and equipment of different technological levels. The extraction and analysis by GC/MS of seven classes of plastic additives, including phthalates, and non-phthalates additives (terephthalates, adipates, citrates, sebacates, trimellitates, and benzoates) was performed. Phthalate concentrations in PM0.1 and in PM0.1–1 were in the range 0.9–14.0 µg/m3, and 3.8–15.0 µg/m3, respectively, while in PM1-10 the range of phthalate concentrations was 4.6–30.1 µg/m3. Non-phthalates additive concentrations in PM0.1 and in PM0.1–1 were in the range 0.05–1.2 µg/m3, and 0.15–2.5 µg/m3, respectively, while in coarse fraction the range of non-phthalate concentrations was between 0.09 and 3.6 µg/m3. The percentage ratio of the mass of compounds and the mass of the ultrafine fraction of PM, with few exceptions, was higher than those of the fine and coarse fractions in all three plants. Ultrafine particles are of great concern because of their toxicity due to their size that allows them to reach deep regions of the lungs and their surface properties that allow them to absorb harmful compounds. In addition, starting from plastic additives distribution in the three size fractions, risk analysis was carried out to evaluate the workers inhalation exposition risk. In all the sites and for all PM fractions, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk values are below safe levels recommended by the regulatory agencies. To have a more exhaustive evaluation, further investigations considering also exposure due to dermal contact and ingestion will have to be carried out.