E-Wastes and its Management
- E-waste is generally called as electronic waste, which includes spoiled, outdated, non-repairable electrical and electronic devices.
- These wastes contain toxic metals like lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury, though also contain iron, copper, silicon, aluminium and gold which can be recovered.
- Nevertheless, only 5 % of e-waste produced is recycled.
Sources of e-wastes
Electronic devices:
- Computers, laptops, mobile phones, printers, monitors, televisions, DVD players, calculators, toys, sports types of equipment, etc.
Household electrical appliances:
- Refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, mixers, grinders, water heaters, etc.
Accessories:
- Printing cartridges, batteries and chargers.
E-wastes include
- Computer components – 66%
- Telecommunication components – 12 %
- Electronic components -5%
- Biomedical components -7%
- Other components – 6%
Environmental impact of e-wastes
- Disposal of any kind of electrical and electronic devices without knowledge can become a landfill and water pollutants.
Health Effects of E-Wastes
Lead:
- Damages central and peripheral nervous system; affect brain development in children Chromium: Asthmatic bronchitis
Cadmium:
- Accumulates in kidney and liver; neural damage
Mercury:
- Chronic damage to the brain and respiratory system
Plastics including Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
- Burning produces dioxin which can cause developmental and reproductive problems, and damages the immune system.
- Electronic equipment contains many hazardous heavy metals such as lead, and cadmium. that can cause severe soil and groundwater pollution.
- E-waste dumping yards and the places nearby are polluted and cause severe health hazards.