Published on June 12, 2023, Updated on June 13, 2023
E-waste is the word for discarded electronic devices including computers, printers, phones, gaming consoles, televisions, and DVD players, to mention a few. Only about 13% of the more than 40 million tons of e-waste that are made every year are recycled. Older gadgets become obsolete as newer ones are created.
How Old Electronics Hurt the Environment
E-waste cannot just be burned like regular trash. E-waste burning produces incredibly tiny particles that, when breathed in, can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. When e-waste is burned, carcinogenic dioxins are discharged into the air. Recycling outdated computers and other gadgets is the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of e-waste in order to avoid harming the environment and providing health risks.
Mercury, cadmium, lead, lithium, polybrominated flame retardants, barium, and polyvinyl chloride are only a few of the harmful substances found in e-waste (which is in the plastic cases of electronics). The hazardous mixture electronics create in landfills seeps into the groundwater and contaminates it if they are not properly and safely recycled.
Deadly substances that should not be taken harm the soil that is used to grow food, the plants and grains that cattle consume, the water required to water crops, as well as the drinking water for both livestock and people. Lead is one of the toxic elements that can contaminate drinking water, which is already a valuable resource due to the record droughts that are occurring in many parts of the world. An average computer monitor has 5 to 8 pounds of lead.
The Health Risks Associated with E-Waste
Exposure to Harmful Elements
The poisonous substances included in e-waste have the power to harm nearly every system in the human body, including the nervous system, reproductive system, skeletal system, brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. They can also result in birth defects. Chlorine that has been incorrectly disposed of damages tissue and destroys cell structure. Cell phone batteries contain cadmium, which can impair a child’s learning, cognition, behavior, and neuromotor skills. It may harm the kidneys as well.
Another way that e-waste is bad for your health is through the toxin arsenic. Several devices, including cell phones, contain arsenic. Arsenic can be fatal in high concentrations, but it can also harm the skin, liver, neurological and respiratory systems, as well as other organs.
Affects Fetal Development
Some of the people in developing countries who work with that trash are pregnant women. When a pregnant woman is exposed to these harmful substances, it can affect the health and development of her unborn child both inside and outside of the womb.
Stillbirth, early birth, and low birth weight are all bad health effects for the baby. Also, if the woman is exposed to lead, the baby’s behavior could be worse, and the baby could be more likely to have mental health problems, behavioral problems, and less cognitive ability. It can also cause problems with a child’s lungs, respiratory system, and long-term health.
Pollutes the Air and Water
Air pollution is another way that e-waste hurts people. When electronics are sent to other countries, they often end up in the furnace. Pollutants and chemicals that are bad for the air are put into the air by this process. People need air to breathe, so when that air is full of toxins, it can affect their lungs.
Just like they get into the air, these chemicals also get into the water. Toxins from electronics get into the groundwater, which flows into rivers, lakes, and ponds. People need these sources of fresh water, and if they drink it, it could cause them to get sick.
Recycling old electronics safeguards both the environment and everyone’s health and safety worldwide. To avoid these harmful effects of electronic waste, it is important to e-cycle properly so that items can be recycled, fixed up, sold again, or used again. The amount of e-waste will only get worse if people aren’t taught how to get rid of it properly.
Learn more about 1 Green Planet and how we dispose of your obsolete hard drives according to international data destruction regulations. Call us now to schedule a pickup. see locations here
