The overproduction of waste has always been a global concern ever since people began throwing things away. What to do with all the trash that the world produces is not only an environmental issue but is also a societal one. Things like paper, plastic, and aluminum were usually the prime products when it came to the talk of what was making waste so wasteful. So much so that over the last couple decades, recycling initiatives were set up in order to curb the onslaught of all the garbage. However, with the new century came new technology and along with that came new waste.
Electronic waste, or the excess of broken, useless, and no longer needed electronic devices has become a grave issue in today’s connected global village and may just be the number one issue when concerning waste management in the 21st century.
Only a handful of industry leaders have made a push for reforming the way their products are handled once they leave the production line. Having more businesses responsibly monitor their products is one way of preventing e-waste, but what about after the sale? Inevitably, people will still be throwing their hazardous electronic waste in dumps, subsequently polluting the water supply with heavy metals.
To understand the problems concerning the surplus of electronic waste it’s important to understand what effect electronic waste can have. Obviously waste is always an issue from an environmental standpoint but electronic waste is even more of a health issue. E-waste like old computers, cell-phones, and other electronics can sometimes be made with hazardous materials and toxins that do not only pollute the earth but can also cause severe health problems if not taken care of properly. Toxic substances like lead, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals can be found in many of today’s e-waste materials and along with these substances come the health risks of poisoning, certain cancers, and other health problems.
Apart from the obvious risks inherent in salvaging old circuitry, these heavy metals easily and frequently leach into the water supply; further jeopardizing the poor levels of drinkability which Indian and Southern Asian citizens already suffer from. It is also important to keep in mind the fact that electronic device production and use is increasing across the globe–whether it be in developed, or undeveloped countries.
E-waste is a dire environmental and health issue for the 21st century, but with all of us understanding the risks and the solutions, then our efforts to protect our planet and ourselves won’t be wasted.
www.attero.com; www.atterobay.com
Electronic waste, or the excess of broken, useless, and no longer needed electronic devices has become a grave issue in today’s connected global village and may just be the number one issue when concerning waste management in the 21st century.
Only a handful of industry leaders have made a push for reforming the way their products are handled once they leave the production line. Having more businesses responsibly monitor their products is one way of preventing e-waste, but what about after the sale? Inevitably, people will still be throwing their hazardous electronic waste in dumps, subsequently polluting the water supply with heavy metals.
To understand the problems concerning the surplus of electronic waste it’s important to understand what effect electronic waste can have. Obviously waste is always an issue from an environmental standpoint but electronic waste is even more of a health issue. E-waste like old computers, cell-phones, and other electronics can sometimes be made with hazardous materials and toxins that do not only pollute the earth but can also cause severe health problems if not taken care of properly. Toxic substances like lead, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals can be found in many of today’s e-waste materials and along with these substances come the health risks of poisoning, certain cancers, and other health problems.
Apart from the obvious risks inherent in salvaging old circuitry, these heavy metals easily and frequently leach into the water supply; further jeopardizing the poor levels of drinkability which Indian and Southern Asian citizens already suffer from. It is also important to keep in mind the fact that electronic device production and use is increasing across the globe–whether it be in developed, or undeveloped countries.
E-waste is a dire environmental and health issue for the 21st century, but with all of us understanding the risks and the solutions, then our efforts to protect our planet and ourselves won’t be wasted.
www.attero.com; www.atterobay.com
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