Ever wondered where your used electronic items are disposed?
Electronic waste is usually neglected issue while taking about waste produced world wide. But this is a serious issue which is plaguing the environment.
Waste generated due to product obsolescence and discarded electronic items. These include television, microwave, mobile phone, computers etc
PROBLEMS CREATED BY E-WASTE
- It is hazardous for human health as e-waste accounts for 40% of lead and 75% of heavy metal found in landfill.
- Pollution of ground water and acidification of soil.
- Toxic substances and chemicals in e-waste may cause air pollution and effect environment.
- Damage to nervous system, DNA damage, lung cancer, damage to heart and liver and much more.
THE MAIN ISSUES
As main issue is that the e-waste is partially very valuable.
*Recover precious metal.
*Recover huge amount of plastic.
Also e-waste is partly hazardous too.
*It contains more than 1000 different toxic substances.
*Computers have lesser life but are purchased in huge amount resulting in obsolescence.
THE SOLUTION
There is solution to every problem whether its huge or not. e-waste management starts right from the point of production, Sustainable product design should be implied. toxic products like PVC, BFR, antimony etc should be minimized. Availability of spare parts should be there so that product may last longer. Energy efficient products should be used which owe energy ratings electronic waste should be disposed to only authorized private developers and recyclers.
Together we can reduce e-waste just need to follow certain steps.
Let’s create more awareness about such subjects so that we can contribute our bit to create pollution free environment.
(picture source: google images and pixabay.com)
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