E-waste and environmental pollution are a global problem. The United Nations recommends that the global e-waste will exceed 40 million tons per year. In many countries, recycling after the end of the product life cycle is highly polluting, not cost-effective, and unregulated. The burden of e-waste not only pollutes landfills, but also because chemicals seep into the groundwater level, eventually enter agricultural products and humans, and have a serious impact on health so Govt should take some steps towards e waste pickup. According to a recent report by the British Broadcasting Corporation, e-waste pollution is causing serious health problems for millions of people around the world, most of which are in developing countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. In these countries, approximately 23% of deaths are related to pollution and other environmental impacts. The report also concluded that more than 200 million people worldwide are at risk of exposure to toxic waste.
With the increase in the use of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), the amount of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) generated every day in the world is also increasing sharply. The valuable elements contained in the recycling of e-waste (such as copper and gold) have become a source of income for the informal sector mainly in developing countries or newly industrialized countries. However, primitive recycling techniques, such as burning cables to preserve the inherent copper, expose adult and child workers and their families to a range of harmful substances. Health risks associated with e-waste may come from direct contact with hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium, brominated flame retardants or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), inhalation of toxic fumes, and accumulation of chemicals in soil, water, and food . In addition to its hazardous ingredients, in the process of processing, electronic waste disposal will also produce many toxic by-products that may affect human health. In addition, recycling activities such as disassembling electrical equipment may increase the risk of injury. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks that may result from exposure to e-waste, and therefore require more specific protection for this e waste management in Mumbai. As they are still growing up, compared with adults, the intake of air, water, and food by children increases significantly in proportion to their body weight. Therefore, the risk of absorbing harmful chemicals also increases. In addition, their body’s central nervous, immune, reproductive and digestive systems are still developing. Exposure to toxic substances will hinder further development and may cause irreversible damage. Due to unsafe recycling activities often carried out at home (by family members or children themselves), many children are exposed to chemicals derived from e-waste in their daily lives. In addition, children may be exposed through garbage dumps located near their homes, schools, and play areas.
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