Growing threat of e-waste
Sabir Hussain
In the fast-paced world of technological advancements, the rapid turnover of electronic devices has led to a surge in electronic waste (e-waste) generation. Pakistan, like many other developing nations, faces significant challenges in managing this burgeoning issue, with dire consequences for both the environment and public health. The absence of comprehensive legislation addressing the e-waste poses a grave threat, as unsafe recycling practices continue to jeopardize the well-being of workers and communities alike.
E-waste encompasses a myriad of electrical and electronic equipment, including components, subassemblies, and consumables. The mishandling of e-waste during dismantling, recycling, and disposal processes can unleash a cocktail of hazardous materials into the environment. In Pakistan, the lack of stringent regulations and proper infrastructure exacerbates the risks associated with e-waste management.
In the labyrinth of electronic waste (e-waste) management, a disconcerting reality emerges as we confront the perilous presence of heavy metals within our discarded devices. Take, for instance, the ubiquitous personal computer – a silent carrier of metals like lead, aluminum, iron, tin, and copper. When irresponsibly dismantled and discarded, these metals become malevolent agents, threatening the very air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that sustains us. The intricate network of cables, wires, and motherboards, adorned with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs), releases dioxins, adding another layer to the ominous cloud of environmental pollution.
Within the confines of our electronic devices, lead takes center stage, playing a prominent role in printed circuit boards, cathode ray tubes, light bulbs, televisions, and batteries. Its improper handling, particularly in the context of e-waste management in Pakistan, places workers at the forefront of a health crisis. Inhaling dust laden with lead, barium oxide, and phosphorus becomes an occupational hazard, fostering serious health implications and putting the well-being of the nation’s future – our children at risk.
Barium oxide, another ominous component, found in electronic parts, not only induces severe skin irritation but, when ingested, poses a threat to vital organs such as the Central Nervous System (CNS), spleen, liver, kidney, and bone marrow. The precarious conditions faced by those working in e-waste recycling operations and the adjacent communities underscore the urgent need for protective measures and heightened awareness.
Adding fuel to the fire, the process of extracting gold from e-waste unveils a hazardous narrative. Burning gold-containing components at high temperatures or resorting to leaching chemicals like cyanide solution leads to the release of toxic gases. This perilous practice not only endangers the lives of workers but also contributes to the enduring presence of toxic substances in our environment. These substances infiltrate food webs, posing a looming threat to both human and wildlife health.
Persistent toxic substances (PTSs), embedded within e-waste, act as silent disruptors, causing reproductive disorders, developmental deformities, and cancer in both the humans and wildlife. The release of dioxins during the burning of e-waste unveils a sinister side – a cascade of carcinogens accumulating within the human body. Immune system alterations, disruptions in glucose metabolism, and reproductive problems become haunting possibilities.
Mercury, yet another hazardous element in e-waste, unveils its own tale of toxicity. Acute exposure can result in lung damage, while chronic exposure leads to a myriad of neurological and psychological symptoms – tremors, personality changes, restlessness, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depression. The stakes rise higher as prolonged mercury exposure inflicts permanent damage to the nervous system and kidneys.
Addressing the e-waste crisis in Pakistan requires an urgent legislative action. The World Bank’s environmental safeguard requirements underscore the necessity of managing e-waste to mitigate its adverse impacts on both the environment and public health. The lack of proper legislation leaves a regulatory vacuum, enabling unsafe practices and putting the nation’s well-being at risk.
A comprehensive e-waste management framework must include regulations that mandate the safe handling, recycling, and disposal of electronic devices. Adequate protective measures for workers, public awareness campaigns, and the promotion of responsible e-waste disposal practices are the essential components of effective legislation.
Moreover, the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs can incentivize manufacturers to design products with end-of-life considerations, ensuring easier recycling and reducing the environmental impact of electronic devices. Collaboration between government bodies, private sector, and civil society is crucial to developing and implementing effective e-waste legislation in Pakistan.
In conclusion, the escalating e-waste crisis in the country demands an immediate legislative attention. The environmental and health risks associated with improper e-waste management cannot be overstated. The well-being of the citizens and the preservation of the environment hinge on proactive measures to regulate the handling and disposal of electronic waste. So, it is the right time for Pakistan to prioritize e-waste legislation to safeguard the future of its people and the planet.
The writer is a journalist and Editor S&T at Sunrise Today, based in Islamabad. He covers science and technology, climate change, environmental issues, energy crisis, public health, education, Afghan refugees and international affairs. He may be reached on Twitter/X @EngSabirHussain, or by email: lectureonline14@gmail.com.
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