Risks of e-waste for health and environment

The rapid expansion of technology means that a large amount of e-waste is being created every minute. Although e-waste has the potential to become a big business, it also poses a threat to public health and environment if not managed properly. According to the WHO, recycling of valuable elements contained in e-waste such as copper and gold has become a source of income mostly in the informal sector of developing or emerging industrialised countries. However, primitive recycling techniques such as burning cables for retaining the inherent copper expose both adult and child workers as well as their families to a range of hazardous substances.

The International Telecommunications Union, a UN agency, estimates that about 41.8 million tonnes of e-waste were generated in 2014, 45 million tonnes in 2016, and 49.8 million tonnes in 2018 with an annual 4-5 percent growth. The UN report said that urgent action is needed to tackle the “mountains” of e-waste building up in developing nations. We should be conscious about the risk of e-waste dumping on health and environment.

Md. Zillur Rahaman

Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd., Lalmohan Branch, Bhola