Going E-Green

What is E-waste?

Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to electronic products or equipment that have been discarded, are no longer functional, or have reached the end of their useful lives. Any device containing circuitry or electrical components with a power or battery source falls into this category. E-waste is one of the fastest-growing wastes developed in the world.

The definition of e-waste that has been agreed by Solving the E-waste Problem, also known as, StEP (an organization that develops solutions to address electronic waste problems) is: "E-Waste is a term used to cover items of all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by the owner as waste without the intention of re-use."

‍

‍

What are the impacts of E-waste?

Improper disposal of e-waste has an extremely negative effect on our environment and human health. The following are the negative impact of e-waste:

On Humans

Electronic waste contains toxic components (metal and chemicals) that are dangerous to human health. This includes Mercury, Lead, Polybrominated Flame Retardants, Cadmium, Barium, and Lithium.

These toxins can damage skeletal, nervous, and reproductive systems of the human body which can lead to diseases and birth defects.
It can damage human blood, kidneys, central and peripheral nervous systems.
It increases rates of attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioural problems, changes in child temperament, and sensory integration difficulties.

On Environment

Electronic waste contains toxic components (metals and chemicals) that are dangerous to human health. This includes:

Soil: E-waste that is disposed of in regular landfills pollutes the soil. When e-waste decomposes in the soil, harmful heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are released, contaminating crops and microorganisms.

Water: E-waste also contaminates groundwater. Toxins in these wastes are harmful to animals, plants, and communities. It becomes difficult to find clean drinking water.

Air: Improper e-waste shredding and melting releases dust particles such as dioxins, which pollute the air and harm respiratory health. Burning e-waste releases small particles that might cause cancer and chronic ailments.

Why should we care about E-waste?

E-waste needs to be solved and addressed as soon as possible. Electronics are very useful and impactful in human life, but our production and consumption made them as problematic and challenging as wastes.

We should care about E-wastes because:

Electronics contain a variety of toxic substances, making e-waste a hazardous waste. If improperly disposed of, toxic components in these devices, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium might leak and contaminate the environment.
Poor e-waste management is costly to both people and the environment. Many electronic wastes are mishandled, exposing communities and the environment at risk as a result of hazardous, wasteful design.
It is one of the world's fastest-growing wastes because electronics quickly become obsolete and disposed of, and they are difficult to reuse and recycle because electronics' components are tricky to handle.
There are some who illegally export electronic waste to other countries to dispose of them in landfills. The dangers of e-waste had a massive effect on the local people of the dumping site.

‍

References:

Armstrong, N. (2017, January 26). Why should we care about e-waste? In2tec. https://www.in2tec.com/e-waste-care/

Avakian, M. (n.d.). E-waste: An Emerging Health Risk. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/geh/geh_newsletter/2014/2/spotlight/ewaste_an_emerging_health_risk_cfm

Bowcock, H. (n.d.). electronics and e-waste: a booklet for advocacy. Apc.Org. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://www.apc.org/sites/default/files/Electronics_and_e-waste_booklet_for_advocacy_0.pdf?bclid=IwAR0QVVBmA5rQFOdKn MGCfodMZz3DtO7ZG3fBkqtxc18yjcl4lT65XJvnWR8

Chapter 1: What is E-waste? (n.d.). Itu.Int. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/ClimateChange/Documents/GEM%202017/Global-E-waste%20Monitor%202017%20-%20Chapter%201.pdf

Effects of E-Waste Can Cost You Your Health and the Environment. (n.d.). Great Lakes Electronics Corporation. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://www.ewaste1.com/effects-of-e-waste-can-cost-you-your-health/

E-Waste & its Negative Effects on the Environment. (n.d.). Elytus. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://elytus.com/blog/e-waste-and-its-negative-effects-on-the-environment.html

Green Ewaste Recycling. (n.d.). 3 Scary Effects Of E-Waste On The Environment And Human Health. Green Ewaste Recycling. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://www.gerecycle.com/3-scary-effects-of-e-waste-on-the-environment-and-human-health/

Lubell, I. (2018, April 27). 5 Shocking Environmental Effects of E-Waste. Mayor Alloys Corporation. Retrieved from https://info.mayeralloys.com/ewaste-blog/5-shocking-environmental-effects-of-e-waste

Q&A: Why Should We Worry About E-Waste? (n.d.). Great Forest. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://greatforest.com/sustainability101/qa-worry-e-waste/ What is e-waste? (n.d.). Step. Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://www.step-initiative.org/e-waste-challenge.htmlIntroduction