WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF ELECTRONIC WASTE?
Electronic waste (e-waste) can have serious environmental and health consequences. According to the Geneva Environment Network, which analysed the environmental impact of e-waste, elements and materials used in the manufacturing of electronic devices are incredibly harmful to our planet.
As soon as they are dumped into a landfill, especially in the warmer months of the year, they are just left to soak into the ground. Years may pass throughout this process.
One of the major negative effects on the environment is caused by heating e-waste which results in the discharge of toxic compounds such as lead, cadmium and beryllium into the air.A
A staggering 62 million metric tons of e-waste were generated globally in 2022, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024. This figure represents a concerning 82% increase since 2010 and underscores the urgent need for effective e-waste management strategies.
What damage do they cause to the soil?
there is a chance for the poisonous substances to seep into the groundwater, where they may influence both aquatic and terrestrial species.
What damage can they cause to us?
When the e-waste comes intact with landfills, the surrounding soil gets contaminated with hazardous substances like mercury, cadmium, and lead which leads to several diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, several adverse health effectsare caused by exposure to e-waste like negative birth outcomes like premature birth, changes in lung functions, and respiratory issues. And these challenges are emerging day by day.
Furthermore, the proper collection and recycling of e-waste can result in protecting and maintaining the environment and human health.
These pollutants infiltrate soil, contaminate water sources, and pollute the air, creating a hazardous landscape. Landfills and dumpsites, often the final resting places for discarded electronics, become breeding grounds for environmental contamination. Toxic substances leach into the soil, affecting plant life and contaminating groundwater. This pollution can lead to ecosystem degradation, loss of biodiversity, and the disruption of delicate ecological balances. Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, as toxic runoff from landfills and dumpsites can poison waterways, harming fish, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms.