Eco-disaster: The Perils of E-Waste on Plants and Human Health
摘要
Technology makes life easier but technology is changing at such a pace that it is causing increase in consumption of E-products in turn raising the deposition of E-waste. Lack of enforcement of regulations on management of E-waste leads to making it a major content of solid waste. E-waste comprises of toxic substances such as various heavy metals, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), TBBPA (tetrabromobisphenol A), and PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) which can have negative impact on living organisms and hence management and regulation of E-waste becomes essential. Only 12–13% of E-waste is handled under supervision of authorized sectors. Some metals present in E-waste having commercial value are isolated by unauthorized sector in a way that leads to leaching of toxic components into the soil from where they reach ground water and nearby plantations. Also, while extracting the precious metals some constitutes of E-waste get mixed with air as well. So, we can say lung, skin, heart and nervous system related diseases can develop in humans due to the pollution caused by E-waste dismantling processes. This chapter examines how various components of electronic waste affect both plant and animal life. Thus, we can conclude that, there is a dire need to handle this waste in an eco-friendly manner to prevent its harmful impact.