1. nature,scope,history,risks and challenges of the effects of electronic waste in the environment
2. evaluation of current practices & their effectiveness
3. strategies for the planning,management and communication of a more
effective policy
Essay on Effects of Electronic Waste in the Environment
The production
of electronic waste or e-waste is one of the busiest and the fastest growing in
the global industry. Rapid economic growth, coupled with urbanization and a
mounting demand for consumer goods, has increased both the consumption and the
production of e-waste. The introduction of innovative electronic gadgets and
appliances has become part of our daily lives, that without it, we almost that
think we can never be productive or efficient. These gadgets provide us with
the comfort, health and security and with easy access to information and
exchange. However, this knowledge that the society has is creating its own
toxic footprints (Pinto, 2008).
E-waste is
comprised of waste from office electronic equipment such as computers,
entertainment devices such as television sets, electronics, mobile
phones and refrigerators
and other home appliances (Executive Blueprints, 2010). It is important to be aware that the end-life disposal and
management of these gadgets and appliances pose a great threat to the human
health and the environment.
The structure of
e-waste is complex and its components are difficult to dispose. The main risks
to human health and the environment come from the presence of flame retardants,
heavy metal, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other hazardous
substances. These substances may be released during recycling and material
recovery, and if improperly managed, these may pose significant human and
environmental health risks (Lundgren, 2012).
While most of
the e-waste ends up in the landfill, some are being passed on through trading.
It usually starts from illegal e-waste trade and then passed on to traders or
refurbishers and then finally, to informal recyclers. These informal recyclers
usually come from developing countries, such as India, Nigeria or from China
where there is low cost in operation and employment. There is lack of
regulation and monitoring for this type employment and worse, some even employ
women and children as part of the workforce (Lundgren, 2012). Illegal trade and
employment serves as one of the major challenge in e-waste management and has
adverse effects in human and environmental health.
In formulating strategies to
address the growing e-waste pollution, one has to understand that every country
has a different set of rules and regulations, and different capacity and
capability of responsible institutions. The effectiveness of e-waste management
depends not only on the local government but also on the participation and
awareness of the community. Lundgren (2012) suggested addressing the growing
problem of informal recycling since this usually involves employing people in
poverty. It is important to keep in mind that most of these people have little
or no formal education and so educating them on the hazardous effects of
e-waste processing on the environment and human health takes patience and
dedication. Pinto (2008) recommends “prevention at the manufacturing source”,
which means minimizing waste production by improving product design and having
“take back policies”.
There a lot of policies governing
the management of e-waste and protecting the rights of laborers. Addressing
this global problem needs cooperation between the people, the local, national
and international sectors. These policies are considered useless and void if we
do not do our part.
References
Executive
Blueprints. (2010). About WEEE: Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
Retrieved
April 3, 2013, from
Lundgren, K.
(2012). The global impact of e-waste: Addressing the challenge.
Geneva:
International Labour Organization Publications, Switzerland.
Pinto, V. N.
(2008). E-waste hazard: The impending challenge. Indian Journal of Occupational
and Environmental Medicine,
12(2), 65-70.Retrieved April 4, 2013 from PubMed
database.
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