Effects of e-waste
Roughly 50 million metric tons of e-waste are produced globally each year, and a good amount of these wastes are recycled to developing countries. Informal recycling markets in countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and the Philippines often shred, burn, or dismantle the products in the open environment, without proper equipment. Since these wastes often contain harmful materials, they are damaging to human health and environment. Developing countries often have to deal with more e-waste than they can reasonably handle, as the handle waste from their own consumers, as well as waste from other more established countries. The UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) estimates that between 2007 and 2020, domestic television
e-waste will double, computer e-waste will increase five times, and cell phones eighteen times.
This information poses an immediate problem: since more electronic devices are being used and exported, more people will be at risk and exposed to dangerous conditions. For example, primary and secondary exposure to toxic metals commonly found in e-waste, such as lead, results mainly from open-air burning used to retrieve valuable components such as gold. Combustion from burning e-waste creates material that is linked to cardiovascular disease.
This information poses an immediate problem: since more electronic devices are being used and exported, more people will be at risk and exposed to dangerous conditions. For example, primary and secondary exposure to toxic metals commonly found in e-waste, such as lead, results mainly from open-air burning used to retrieve valuable components such as gold. Combustion from burning e-waste creates material that is linked to cardiovascular disease.
The chart above illustrates the amount of e-waste generated in 2012 by county, displaying the total amount, compared to the amount per capita.
Health Effects
In addition to affecting those workers who deal hands-on with e-waste, the environmental effects of e-waste can be observed across the globe. The health implications of e-waste are difficult to break down due to the informal nature of the working conditions, poverty, and poor sanitation. Guiyu, a city in Southeastern China, is known as the biggest e-waste recycling site in the world. Based on a few studies, this city's inhabitants exhibit substantial digestive, neurological, respiratory, and bone problems. For example, 80% of Guiyu's children exhibit respiratory ailments, and are particularly at risk of lead poisoning. (Source)
E-waste is an extremely important problem and is quickly becoming a more talked about issue on a global scale. Since the amount of electronic devices being produced has been steadily increasing, the potential dangers of the hazardous material will affect more people around the world. It is imperative that we realize how many people this issue will affect in the coming years, and try to do something before the issue gets out of hand. Our waste electronics are polluting drinking water and harming ecosystems around the world. It’s time to fix this growing problem.
E-waste is an extremely important problem and is quickly becoming a more talked about issue on a global scale. Since the amount of electronic devices being produced has been steadily increasing, the potential dangers of the hazardous material will affect more people around the world. It is imperative that we realize how many people this issue will affect in the coming years, and try to do something before the issue gets out of hand. Our waste electronics are polluting drinking water and harming ecosystems around the world. It’s time to fix this growing problem.