Occupational exposure to rare earth elements: Assessment of external and internal exposure

Qiao, Xinhang; Cui, Wenxuan; Gao, Sheng; Zhi, Qiang; Li, Bin; Fan, Yaochun; Liu, Li; Gao, Jianqiong; Tan, Hongli

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119801

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 44 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…As the use of REEs has become more popular, concerns about industrial health have grown. Large-scale applications over the past decades have resulted in widespread distribution of REEs, posing potential health risks to both humans and wildlife [212].…”

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The health impacts of REEs on humans are still not well understood. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown various toxic effects of REEs, including neurological disorders, renal and lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, male infertility, and organ damage [212]. Epidemiological evidence also suggests that REEs adversely affect multiple body systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system [213].…”

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Quiao et al, human exposure to rare earth elements (REEs) and the associated health impacts, particularly in occupational populations, remain insufficiently characterized. To address this, they aimed to investigate occupational exposure to REEs in a major REE processing plant in North China by assessing both external and internal exposure in workers [212]. Although there were significant differences in air concentrations between the control and exposure groups, the differences in REE levels in workers' blood were less pronounced.…”

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…External exposure in the workplace environment notably affected the internal exposure of workers to REEs. Moreover, sociodemographic and occupational factors, such as duration of residence and job type, could also influence the occupational exposure to specific REEs [212].…”

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Review of Methods for Obtaining Rare Earth Elements from Recycling and Their Impact on the Environment and Human Health

Gkika,

Chalaris,

Kyzas

2024

Processes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Rare earth elements (REEs) are at the forefront of discussions, given their crucial role in cutting-edge and eco-friendly innovations that propel the industrial revolution towards a green economy. These elements have become indispensable to various modern technologies, such as smartphones, electronic devices, and renewable energy sources. Many different concepts and analyses have been introduced, such as the chemical similarities among REEs, health risks and ecological damages, the negative environmental impacts of current recovery processes, and strategies for advancing REE recovery towards a circular economy. Although these elements have been widely used in various applications over the last 20 years, the literature on these aspects is fragmented and spread across different research areas, shared by multiple branches and application fields. These fields include safety concerns, economic challenges, and technology. Summarizing and classifying this literature is challenging due to its fragmented nature, the variety of topics, and the different approaches used. The quest for cleaner recycling strategies necessitates a comprehensive assessment covering economic, technological, and environmental aspects. The primary goal of this review is to provide a holistic perspective on REEs, with a central focus on their economic, technological, and environmental dimensions, particularly emphasizing reuse, recycling, and occupational safety. The review begins by addressing complexities of REEs, highlighting the associated technologies, environmental concerns, and economic considerations. It further explores the aspects of reuse and recycling of REEs, shedding light on the advantages, drawbacks, hazards, and costs associated with recycling technologies for REE recovery. Additionally, the review summarizes occupational exposure and safety considerations related to REEs.

show abstract

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Occupational Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Review of Methods for Obtaining Rare Earth Elements from Recycling and Their Impact on the Environment and Human Health

Gkika,

Chalaris,

Kyzas

2024

Processes

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Epidemiological studies have suggested that Baiyan Obo in China and Nunavik in Canada are areas with severe REE pollution in the environment [7,8]. Among them, the polluted areas of REEs are mainly located near high-polluting factories related to mining, nearby residential areas, and junctions in cities with heavy traffic [9][10][11]. People in areas contaminated with REEs can be exposed to significant amounts of REEs through their skin and inhalation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxic Effects of Rare Earth Elements on Human Health: A Review

Wang,

Yang,

Wang

et al. 2024

Toxics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a new type of material resource which have attracted significant attention in recent years. REEs have emerged as essential metals in modern-day technology due to their unique functions. The long-term, large-scale mining and utilization of rare earths has caused serious environmental pollution and constitutes a global health issue, which has raised concerns regarding the safety of human health. However, the toxicity profile of suspended particulate matter in REEs in the environment, which interacts with the human body, remains largely unknown. Studies have shown that REEs can enter the human body through a variety of pathways, leading to a variety of organ and system dysfunctions through changes in genetics, epigenetics, and signaling pathways. Through an extensive literature search and critical analysis, we provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and make recommendations for future research directions.

show abstract

Geochemical characteristics and ecological risks of rare earth elements in river sediments of coal-grain composite area in eastern China

Xia,

Jiang,

et al. 2023

Environ Monit Assess

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Occupational exposure to rare earth elements: Assessment of external and internal exposure

Cited by 12 publications

References 44 publications

Review of Methods for Obtaining Rare Earth Elements from Recycling and Their Impact on the Environment and Human Health

Review of Methods for Obtaining Rare Earth Elements from Recycling and Their Impact on the Environment and Human Health

Toxic Effects of Rare Earth Elements on Human Health: A Review

Geochemical characteristics and ecological risks of rare earth elements in river sediments of coal-grain composite area in eastern China

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About