Have you heard that sustainability lies in technology? Technology helps humanity to have efficient lifestyles and reduce emissions through e-vehicles and smart grids for effective energy conversation and many more like this. However, can you imagine that the solar system that you use to save electronics, or even your daily necessary technologies like mobile, laptop or computer, can create a hazardous condition, like an e-waste crisis? Well, yes, after 2019 e-waste became a concerning factor.
Why is e-waste a growing concern
All goods of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts which are generally discarded by its owner come under the factor of e waste, as per report. However, in the last few decades, the demand for using modern technologies has rapidly grown among people. Nowadays people have become obsessed with modern tech. This surprisingly leads to e waste pollution.
As per the source, a total of 40 million tons of e-waste is generated globally per year. It is the same as throwing 800 laptops per second. Only 12.5% e waste is recycled and the rest 85% is dumped in landfills. Therefore it is a growing concern for the future of humanity.
According to a report, 31 billion kg of metals was found in the e-waste in 2022. Among these, 19 billion kg were recycled, and the rest 12 bullion kg were lost and dumped in landfills.
Toxic metals found in e-waste
In the annual e-waste report of UNITAR, it has been seen that 2.6 million tonnes of e-waste is increasing annually worldwide. This e waste contains toxic metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and many more heavy and non-recyclable metals. 61.3 million of e-waste is discarded at the global level, which is approximately 8 kg per person.
1 billion kg of copper is used in manufacturing cables and printing circuit boards. In this process, toxic metals like lead (Pb, 70 million kg) and cobalt (Co, 34 million kg) have also been found. Another toxic substance is flame retardant used to prevent burning in screens and monitors. Among 17 billion kg of e waste pollution, 59 million kg are flame retardants. The major challenge with this metal is that it is very high cost to separate the plastics containing the retardants.
According to sources, mercury is used by tech companies to build liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in laptops, computers and mobile. When it is discarded by the owner, it becomes e-waste pollution that directly affects the immune, nervous and digestive systems of humans by affecting the kidneys, lungs, skin and eyes. The neodymium (Nd) used in magnets and yttrium (Y) used in lesser radars, microwave filters and others are also hazardous effects on the planet.
Where does e-waste end up
World Health Organisation (WHO) published that when users dumped tech and its parts on land or in water it immediately started to release toxicants into the environment. Approximately 80% to 85% of EEE are discarded in landfills. Some of the tech parts are burned, through which harmful toxins are released into the air causing air pollution.
Harmful Effects of e-waste on Humans and the environment
During the time of scavenging, people are exposed to the detrimental effects of e waste through their lungs, nausea, skin and others. As per WHO, pregnant women and children are vulnerable in this process. As a result, stillbirth, premature birth, abnormal behaviour of children, asthma and other diseases can occur.
A study was recently undertaken in China in which young children were taken as candidates to measure the effect of e-waste on their health. The study shows that higher blood levels of cadmium, lead and manganese in children cause behavioural abnormalities. Even high blood lead ((≥10 μg/dL) had a 2-4 times higher chance of having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children than those who have low blood lead.
Well in this kind of condition, people need to focus on electronics recycling. Rather than replacing tech, it can be repaired or upgraded. People can also resell electronic parts to the people who need them. In this way, electronics recycling can save the planet from becoming a battleground of e-waste.
FAQ
Why is e-waste hazardous?
It is hazardous because, during the time of scavenging, people are exposed to the detrimental effects of e waste through their lungs, nausea, skin and others.
Why e-waste is increasing?
In the last few decades, the demand for using modern technologies has rapidly grown among people. Nowadays people have become obsessed with modern tech. This surprisingly leads to e waste pollution.
How can e-waste harm children?
A study was recently undertaken in China in which young children were taken as candidates to measure the effect of e-waste on their health. The study shows that higher blood levels of cadmium, lead and manganese in children cause behavioural abnormalities. Even high blood lead ((≥10 μg/dL) had a 2-4 times higher chance of having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children than those who have low blood lead.
Which type of e-waste is toxic?
This e waste contains toxic metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, copper and many more heavy and non-recyclable metals.
Where does e-waste end up?
Approximately 80% to 85% of EEE are discarded in landfills. Some of the tech parts are burned, through which harmful toxins are released into the air causing air pollution.
