Summary of How e-waste is harming our world
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is generated from discarded electronic devices and contains harmful materials such as lead, cadmium, and chromium.
The World Health Organization warns of the growing amount of e-waste globally and the associated health risks from direct contact, inhalation of toxic fumes, and leaching of toxic materials into the environment.
Recycling activities for valuable elements in e-waste, such as copper and gold, can pose risks to workers, including children, due to exposure to toxic fumes.
Children are particularly vulnerable to harm from e-waste exposure, as harmful substances can affect their development.
Ways to combat e-waste include selling or donating old electronics, proper maintenance to extend their lifespan, recycling and disposing of e-waste correctly, repurposing old devices, storing data online, and purchasing energy star rated electronics.
planned obsolescence in electronics, where devices are designed to be replaced quickly, contributes to the increase in e-waste and the need for more mining for materials.
Companies ending support for older models and operating systems also contribute to e-waste.
Solutions to reduce e-waste include requiring electronic sellers to provide buyback or return systems for used equipment, implementing export limits, and promoting reuse, repair, and resale of electronics.
Researchers or sources featured
- World Health Organization
- Institute of Physics
- Ends Europe agency
Notable Quotes
— 02:56 — « Nowadays electronics are made to be replaced. Its called planned obsolescence. »
— 04:02 — « According to the report of ends Europe agency built-in obsolescence has seen the share of large household appliances that had to be replaced within the first five years grow from 7% in 2004 to 13% in 2013. »
Category
Science and Nature