E-Waste is a short term for electronic waste. The damaged, discarded electronic devices fall under this category. They make up about a million tonnes and are recycled in an unsafe way with mostly dumped, exported, or stored in a substandard manner. Just this fact makes it wise to assume that e-waste clearly has negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Understanding E-Waste and its Sources
E-waste includes broken electrical equipment that is thrown away. Its common sources are home appliances such as microwaves, heaters, fans, etc., communication and information devices like mobiles, computers, laptops, DVDs, televisions, etc. Electronic gadgets like massage chairs, lamps, smart watches, remote controls and office and medical devices, such as printers, autoclaves, dialysis machines, cords and cables, etc. also contribute to e-waste. It does not come as a shock that today’s e-waste is not limited to old and impractical technology, but rather involves new technology that is simply ‘out of fashion’ or is not ‘trending’. Some examples are ditching the wire earphones for fashionable wireless ones, discarding a model of phone for the latest model launched, and such similar instances.
Environmental Impacts and Human Health Risks Related to E-Waste
According to WHO, e-waste is a rapidly growing solid waste stream globally. E-waste is toxic and non-biodegradable leading to its build-up in the soil, air, water and living beings. Burning of these materials releases lead, mercury, beryllium, thallium, cadmium and arsenic, none of which are beneficial to the environment. When buried in a landfill, e-waste dissolves into sludge that leaks the toxic materials into the soil and the groundwater, endangering the soil and aquatic species. Even their manufacturing produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide impacting the overall environment resulting in climate change. The toxicity of e-waste has not spared human health. Exposure to the dangerous chemicals of e-waste leads to altered lung function, respiratory disorders, DNA damage and defective thyroid function. Expectant mothers on exposure can give birth to stillborn or premature babies. The recycling of e-waste can cause neurological disorders and behavioural problems in the workers present at the site and an increased risk of developing cancer or cardiovascular disease in children.
Current E-Waste Management and Potential Solutions
With this escalating problem, it is of utmost importance that the nations ensure sound and safe disposal of e-waste. At present, we have unorganised units and quite primitive methods for recycling. It requires distinguished manpower distributed throughout the country with no centralisation or institution. Establishment of clear sectors for managing e-waste, each focused on collection, dismantling, segregation, metal extraction, recycling and disposal is crucial for the smooth transition from the elementary methods to modern and cost-effective approaches. Monitoring the manufacturing and recycling process can also produce positive outcomes. Care should be taken to provide the workers in the disposal plants with safety wear to lessen the exposure to hazardous chemicals. We as a community should engage in spreading awareness and knowledge empowering people to be responsible while sorting out the waste generated in households and industries.
In the end, e-waste is an overgrowing concern of the 21st century with increased dependence on technology in our lives. It is a hidden environmental hazard generated from various sources and has threatening impacts on both our environment and our health, especially children. Considering the lack of proper management for e-waste recycling and disposal, we need to step up our game to keep up with the changing times. Introduction of agencies, awareness campaigns and methods of monitoring the overall waste can mitigate the negative effects of e-waste. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving both public and the government with an ultimate objective of creating a better environment.
Deeksha, is a Biochemist and an aspiring neuroscientist. Her research interest lies at the intersection of molecular neuroscience and drug discovery.
