E-Waste in India: A Comprehensive Review of EM Radiation Emissions, Impacts, and Policy Interventions
摘要
The rapid growth of electronic waste, or “e-waste,” poses significant health and environmental risks due to the electromagnetic (EM) radiation emitted by discarded electronic devices. This article explores the types of electromagnetic radiation released by e-waste and the methods used to analyze these emissions, assessing their potential negative effects. Data has been gathered from various news articles, journals, and related websites. The study examines emission levels across multiple frequency ranges, including alpha, beta, gamma, radio frequency (RF), microwave, and extremely low frequency (ELF), which are commonly found in e-waste components such as circuit boards, transformers, and screens. The health consequences associated with exposure to these emissions include reproductive and cellular damage, oxidative stress, heat-related tissue damage, and neurological effects, particularly for workers involved in informal recycling practices. Environmental issues resulting from e-waste include electromagnetic interference, alterations in the soil's microbiological balance, and disturbances in wildlife behavior. Additionally, the Indian government has initiated efforts to address e-waste-related challenges.