E-Waste encompasses household appliances like televisions, stereos, DVDs, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, air-conditioners, etc. The term e-waste is subject to a number of definitions. Technological advancement is at its peak and we are celebrating it. As we celebrate technology and globalisation, can we consider e-waste as a hazard? There are different global environmental crises, but electronic waste is rarely a topic of concern. Electronics nowadays have a shorter life cycle as compared to years back,especially cellphones and computers. Producers are upgrading their gadgets every now and then, coming up with new versions. It is so unfortunate that in the midst of celebrating new technology, consumers are ignoring what will happen to the old gadgets. Much e-waste is directed to landfills and incinerators as an insignificant percentage is being recycled, posing serious health and ecological problems.
E-waste takes indefinite time to decompose in landfills, leaching chemicals into the ground, hence contaminating soil and ground water. Besides these ecological hazards, e-waste poses serious health threats to human life. E-waste contains vast amounts of toxic ingredients like mercury, arsenic, lead, selenium and other flame retardants which are emitted when burning. Mercury, even at low doses can lead to brain damage or kidney problems, beryllium seen on many connectors and motherboards of computers is considered a human carcinogen. Lead, pose much damage, especially brain damage to children, Brominated Flame Retardants(BFRs) affect normal hormonal functions for normal human development. Cadium causes cancer when it accumulates in a human body and may result in kidney damage. Of recent E-Waste has become such a huge problem, therefore it is important to understand some issues surrounding the crisis. As developing countries, are we at the right side of globalisation and technological advancement or not?
