When electronic devices reach their end of life, they often become e-waste, featuring both valuable materials and hazardous substances; metals such as gold and copper can be reprocessed.
However, the toxic elements, if improperly disposed of, lead to serious environmental and health detriments according to WHO.
The most hazardous components are lead, mercury, and cadmium.
Guidelines on safe and sustainable e-waste disposal have been set by the World Health Organization to reduce potential harm to human health and the environment.
Here's what you need to know:
The Hidden Value and Danger in E-Waste
E-waste is a complex mixture of valuable and hazardous materials.
Metals, such as gold, copper, and aluminium, can be recovered and reutilized; hence, recycling forms an important part of e-waste management.
However, toxic elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium pose severe risks when handled in an inappropriate manner.
WHO further advises that equipment should be subjected to regular maintenance or repair, rather than being subjected to premature upgrading, to prolong its life and consequently ensure proper e-waste disposal.
This reduces overall electronics consumption and results in less waste being generated.
Furthermore, WHO mentions having a specific e-waste recycling bin or take-back schemes that guarantee safe and appropriate processing of discarded electrical products.
Electronics should be replaced only when they are no longer functional or repairable, which would discourage unnecessary upgrades.
WHO, on its part, urges people to act on the local community level by, for instance, advocating legislation that provides collection drives to make safe disposal of discarded devices easier.
Finally, education plays an important role in this effort as more learning and increasing awareness about the risks involved in bad e-waste disposal can lead to a greater likelihood of good recycling behaviour.
Health Hazards Arising from Informal E-Waste Recycling
The inappropriate recycling of e-waste, especially in the informal sector, may result in serious health complications.
According to the WHO, many risks arise from the unsafe handling of e-waste, mainly in communities with low resources and safety protocols.
Exposure to toxic e-waste, mainly during informal recycling processes, is extremely dangerous and affects particularly vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children.
Pregnant women exposed to toxic e-waste have a heightened risk for adverse birth outcomes, while chronic exposure to these toxic substances is linked with increased risks of various chronic diseases, including cancers.
E-waste pollutants can also cause genetic damage, possibly affecting future generations.
Another prominent health risk is interference with thyroid function because toxic chemicals in e-waste disrupt hormonal balance.
With prolonged exposure to these toxins, the immune system weakens, and the body becomes more prone to infections.
Burning e-waste emits fine particulate matter, which causes respiratory diseases.
The chemicals in e-waste are also linked to impairments in cardiovascular health.
Neurodevelopmental problems, specifically, are a high vulnerability for children because their brains are more susceptible during their development stages to environmental toxicants.
Collective Responsibility for E-Waste Management
E-waste management is a collective responsibility that requires joint action.
WHO calls for community-based solutions to ensure safe disposal and recycling.
The community can start this by organizing e-waste collection events, making it easier for locals to drop off their discarded e-devices.
Local governments and organizations should be at the forefront of promoting available recycling programs, including take-back systems and e-waste collection bins, to ensure that waste is disposed of safely.
Educational campaigns in communities can raise awareness regarding health and environmental hazards emanating from inappropriate e-waste disposal.
WHO also calls for the collaboration of local authorities, governments, and the private sector in enforcing regulations and creating sustainable solutions to handle e-waste.
By employing these strategies and encouraging a culture of responsible e-waste disposal, we can safeguard public health and the environment.
As the WHO advises, "Be wise about e-waste. Small actions today can prevent big consequences tomorrow."