2. What is E-Waste ???
Electronic waste or e-
waste is any broken or
unwanted electrical or
electronic appliance.
E-waste includes
computers,
entertainment
electronics, mobile
phones and other
items that have been
discarded by their
original users.
3. Why is E-Waste a big problem ?
Most rapidly growing waste problem in the
world.
Toxics ingredients, posing a threat to the
occupational health as well as the environment.
Legal framework, proper collection system
missing.
Imports regularly coming to the recycling
markets.
Inhumane working conditions for recycling.
4. E-Waste Growth
IT and Telecom are two fastest growing industries in
our country
India, by 2011, should achieve a PC penetration of 90
per 1,000 from the existing 34 per 1,000
At present, India has 20 million computers. The target
being 85 million computers by 2011.
Over 3 million old PCs ready for disposal in India.
Life of a computer reduced from 7 years to 3-4 years
Over 200 million current mobile users, expected to
increase to 500 million by 2010 end.
5. Effect of E-Waste
A Chinese child sits amongst a pile of wires and e-waste. Children can
often be found dismantling e-waste containing many hazardous
chemicals known to be potentially very damaging to children's health.
6. E-Waste effects
If toxic chemicals and heavy metals cannot be
disposed of or recycled safely they can end up
polluting the environment if they are burnt or left
in the ground to decay.
Workers at scrap yards, some of whom are
children, are exposed to a cocktail of toxic
chemicals and poisons.
7. Element Use in Wireless Technology Harmful Effects
Lead Used primarily in soldering of
circuit boards and other device components
Extremely harmful to the human body; damages
both the central and peripheral nervous systems;
can cause seizures, retardation, high blood
pressure, damage to the kidneys and liver;
adversely affects child development
Beryllium Forms significant portions of electrical connectors
and
battery contacts
Long term exposure can be carcinogenic,
especially for the lungs. Extreme exposure can
lead to a potentially fatal condition known as
Acute Beryllium Disease
Arsenic Used in some integrated circuits
and semiconductors
Arsenic is a notoriously potent poison; causes
severe damage to the digestive tract
Mercury Can be found to a degree in
batteries and circuit boards
Attacks the central nervous and endocrine
systems; harmful to mouth, teeth and gums;
poses risk in the neurological development of
unborn fetuses
Antimony Used in production of diodes
and batteries. Pure form used
in semiconductor production
Toxic to humans in ways similar to arsenic; fatal
in large doses
Cadmium Used in soldering, semiconductors and chip
resistors
Potentially carcinogenic; Repeated exposure can
damage the lungs, kidneys and liver
13. Change your Lifestyle
Recycle, Reduce, Re-use.
Dispose of objects correctly.
Look at the sorts of things you throw away
and brainstorm the things you could make
with the rubbish instead.
Look for companies that offer customers
environment friendly products. Many now
recognise the importance of being aware.
