What is e-waste problem?

E-waste poses a huge risk to humans, animals, and the environment. The presence of heavy metals and highly toxic substances such as mercury, lead, beryllium, and cadmium pose a significant threat to the environment even in minute quantities. Consumers are the key to better management of e-waste.

What are the problems caused by e-waste?

As mentioned, electronic waste contains toxic components that are dangerous to human health, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, polybrominated flame retardants, barium and lithium. The negative health effects of these toxins on humans include brain, heart, liver, kidney and skeletal system damage.

What is e-waste in simple words?

The term “e-waste” is an abbreviation of “electronic and electrical waste”. “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 is the main reason of e-waste?

E-waste is generated as a result of any of the below-mentioned reasons: Upgrade and innovation in technology. Lifestyle changes. End of the intended usage.

What are the impacts of e-waste on the environment?

When e-waste is exposed to the heat, toxic chemicals are released into the air damaging the atmosphere; this is one of the biggest environmental impacts of e-waste. Those toxic materials can then seep into the groundwater, affecting both land and sea animals. Electronic waste can also contribute to air pollution.

Why should we worry about e-waste?

It’s critical to keep electronic waste out of landfills. Electronic devices are comprised of toxic substances and heavy metals. Materials such as chromium, cadmium, mercury and lead can leach into the soil contaminating the air and waterways. Recycling this material will save landfill space.

What happens if e-waste is not disposed properly?

The improper disposal of electronic products leads to the possibility of damaging the environment. As more e-waste is placed in landfills, exposure to environmental toxins is likely to increase, resulting in elevated risks of cancer and developmental and neurological disorders.

Why is it important to care about e-waste?

A: With the increasing speed of changing technology, electronic waste or e-waste–discarded computers, cell phones, iPods and other electronics–is a growing concern. Toxic components in these devices, which may include mercury, lead and cadmium, can leak and contaminate the environment if disposed of improperly.