E-Waste

First of all, what is e-waste. Electronic waste may be defined as all secondary computers, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, and other items such as television sets and refrigerators, whether sold, donated, or discarded by their original owners. This definition includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal.

So, for your information, e-waste become worst nowadays.Investigation by an international coalition of environmental organisation reveal that huge quantities of hazardous e-waste are being exported to China, Pakistan, and India where there are processed in operation that are extremely harmful harmful to human health and the environment.

In Malaysia only, about 18,000 tonnes of solid waste are produces daily all over Malaysia.Is Malaysia ready to deal with electronic waste in the future?

According to David W.Woodel in National Geographic Magazine, the effect of e-waste to environment are:

Lead is toxic to the kidneys, accumulating in the body and eventually affecting the nervous and reproductive systems. Children’s mental development can be impaired by low-level exposure to lead.

When burned, PVC produces dioxins, some of the most hazardous carcinogens known.

Brominated flame retardants have been linked to fetal damage and thyroid problems.

Barium produces brain swelling after a short exposure. It may cause weakness in muscles as well as heart, liver, and spleen damage.

Hexavalent chromium damages kidneys, the liver, and DNA. Asthmatic bronchitis has been linked to this substance.

Mercury is known to harm developing fetuses and is passed through the mother’s milk to newborns. In adults it can cause brain and kidney damage.

Beryllium causes acute or chronic beryllium disease, a deadly ailment affecting the lungs.

Cadmium is a carcinogen and long-term exposure leads to kidney and bone damage.

So, we need to get aware with this matters and follow the advice to avoid it.