What is E-waste and its Types Explained in details

ELECTRONIC WASTE

Electronic waste (e-waste) is generated due to the usage and discard of electronic components.
India has emerged as the world’s second largest in the mobile market and also the fifth largest producer of e-waste, discarding roughly 18.5 lakh tonnes of e-waste in 2015.
E-waste is highly toxic and has harmful impact on various living organisms. Moreover, e-waste is not at all biodegradable.
The best strategy to reduce e-waste is to recycle and reuse the electronic components.

Types of e-Waste

Lead

Lead (Pb) is used in making computer monitors, gaskets in electronic components, etc.
Health consequences of lead include:

Damage to nervous system, particularly, it impedes brain development in children.
Harmful impact on kidneys because lead can bioaccumulate and biomagnify. What is E-waste and its Types

Cadmium

Cadmium (Cd) is used for making infrared detectors, semiconductor chips, etc. Cadmium also has harmful effect on the kidneys.

Mercury

Mercury (Hg) is used in sensors, thermostats, flat panel displays, etc. Mercury is particularly dangerous to foetus as it impedes brain development.
It also has harmful effect on the kidneys.

Chromium

Chromium (Cr) is used for coating steel pipes, used in plastics including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.
PVC is an inexpensive synthetic plastic widely used in the manufacturing of electronic products. Chromium can cause damage to DNA.

Barium

Barium (Ba) is used in the front panel of computers to protect users from radiation.
Over exposure to barium can cause brain swelling and muscle weakness. What is E-waste and its Types

Beryllium

Beryllium (Be)—copper alloy is used to strengthen connectors and tiny plugs while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Over exposure to beryllium may have the following consequences:

Brominated Flame Retardants

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are carbon-bromine compounds used in the plastic covering of electronic equipments and in circuit boards to prevent flammability.
The BFRs are toxic in nature and they have the tendency to bioaccumulate. What is E-waste and its Types

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