Hazards of E Waste
Presently in India, e-waste recycling is a largely an un-organized sector where a legal frame work, collection system, logistics and other services are lacking. This is estimated to be about 95% of the total market. This gives rise to complex problems and tackling them is the need of the hour.
Problems & Hazards:-In India, falling prices and rapid changes in technology have resulted in the amount of e-waste being generated to increase exponentially.
Total e-waste generated by India according to a United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report dated February 2010 was 3,80,000 ton/annum of which the State of Maharashtra generates the highest amount.
The unorganized recycling sector which fails to practice eco-friendly e-waste recycling methods release large amount of toxic chemicals. Regularly used items include harmful substances and chemicals which are mentioned in the table below.
Substances & Hazards
1. Mercury : Chronic brain damage.2. Lead : Damages central nervous system, blood system and kidneys.
3. Barium : Muscular weakness, damage to heart, liver spleen.
4. Cadmium :Effects Kidney and Liver.
5. Beryllium: Affects lungs, cause of lung cancer.
