Title: The Effects of E-Waste on the Environment and Human Health
Headings: The Effects of E-Waste on the Environment and Human Health
The Effects of E-Waste on the Environment and Human Health
The world has produced at least 50 million tons of e-waste in 2018 alone i
E-waste contains toxic chemical elements like lithium, mercury, lead, etc. which can leak into the environment ii
E-waste is shipped to third-world countries

Content: A digital gadget, especially a mobile phone, is a very personal item and people would rather throw it away than pass it on to others to use. E-waste contains toxic chemical elements like lithium, mercury, lead, etc. which can leak into the environment ii
As such, the disposal process of E-waste should not mean sending it to landfills. And this is why there are businesses which specialize in the safe removal and recycling of E-waste. In an article by V. Ranganathan entitled “Health hazards caused by unorganised e-waste disposal”, it was stated that E-waste has the following harmful effects on humans: iii
Reproductive issues
Developmental problems
Damage to the immune system
Interference with regulatory hormones
Damage to the nervous system
Kidney damage
Hampers brain development in children
May lead to lung cancer
Chronic beryllium disease
Skin ailments
Cadmium accumulations on liver and kidney
Asthmatic bronchitis
DNA damage
Muscle weakness
Endocrine system disruption
In addition, “researchers have now linked e-waste to adverse effects on human health, such as inflammation and oxidative stress – precursors to cardiovascular disease, DNA damage and possibly cancer” and “due to the crude recycling process, many pollutants, such as persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals, are released from e-waste, which can easily accumulate in the human body through the inhalation of contaminated air.” iv
E-waste is shipped to third-world countries
This usually happens when “many of these out-of-date electrical and electronic devices still have commercial value because they still work or contain expensive materials that can be recycled.” v
“Although it is legal to export discarded goods to poor countries if they can be reused or refurbished, much is being sent to Africa or Asia under false pretences” and “a substantial proportion of e-waste exports go to countries outside Europe, including West African countries. Treatment in these countries usually occurs in the informal sector, causing significant environmental pollution and health risks for local populations.” vi
This practice has only made third-world countries a popular dumping ground for old digital gadgets.