Consequences on health and the environment

Health and Environmental Consequences of Electronic Waste

Health Consequences of Electronic Waste.

Electronic waste can cause serious health problems, including neurological damage, reproductive issues, and cancer. This is due to exposure to toxic substances present in the components of electronic devices.

Toxic Components.

Some toxic components that can cause harm include:

- Lead: Can cause neurological damage, especially in children.

- Mercury: Affects the central nervous system and kidneys.

- Cadmium: Can cause reproductive disorders and even infertility.

- Chromium: Has been shown to cause cancer.

- Lithium: Can cause respiratory failure, damage to the nervous system, and digestive disorders.

- Vinyl chloride (PVC): These are chemical substances that are highly persistent in the environment and toxic even at very low concentrations.

Environmental consequences of electronic waste: 

E-waste polluted the environment in several ways, including:

Water Pollution: Heavy metals and toxic substances seeped into the water and contaminated rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Soil Pollution: Metals and toxic compounds leached into the soil and contaminated flora and fauna.

Air Pollution: The incineration of e-waste released heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury into the atmosphere.

Ecosystem Imbalances: E-waste emitted gases into the atmosphere that caused ecosystem imbalances.

Depletion of Natural Resources: Manufacturing electronic products required large amounts of water, land, and rock.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The manufacturing of electronic products generated CO2 emissions.