What is E-waste and its Types
What is E-waste and its Types
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:
- Lung cancer
- Hampers healing of wounds
- Wart-like bumps.
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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