How Does E-Waste Affect Our Health and Environment?

How Does E-Waste Affect Our Health and Environment?

There are several health problems that are caused by electronic-waste because of the toxins that the electronic equipment contains. In 2003, a report written by Environmental Media Services said that electronic products contain hazardous materials (lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium).

Our computer monitors contain 6.3 percent. And according to EPA study, 40 percent of the lead in US landfills come from electronic products. Lead that has contact with the environment has higly acute and chronic toxic effects on plants, animals and microorganisms. Cadmium and mercury have a risk of irreversible health effects in humans.

Electronic waste is shipped from US to conuntries such as China, Pakistan, and India. In these countries recycling is done by hand with no protective gear. The drinking water then becomes polluted and risk to health, because glass and cathode ray tubes (which contain lead) get dumped into the rivers. When the workers in these countries burn the wastes without any protective clothing, they become physically weak.