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Showing posts from September, 2024

The Dark Side of E-Waste: Health Risks and Toxicity

  Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, refers to discarded electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, printers, and other consumer electronics. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the world is producing more e-waste than ever before. According to a report from the United Nations, global e-waste generation reached a staggering 53.6 million metric tons in 2019, with only 17.4% of it being properly recycled. However, the true danger of e-waste lies not just in its volume but in the toxic components it contains, which pose significant health risks to both humans and the environment. Toxic Components in E-Waste E-waste contains numerous hazardous materials, many of which are toxic to human health and can leach into the environment if not properly managed. Some of the most concerning toxic substances found in e-waste include: 1.      Heavy Metals : Lead : Found in cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in old televisions and monitors, lead is highly