E-WASTE IN INDIA RESEARCH UNIT (LARRDIS) RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DELHI (original) (raw)

E-Waste- a National Health & Environmental Disaster for India

2018

Quick changes in technology, shorter life period and increased dependence on the electronic products is resultingin considerable increase in e-waste generation. E-waste is more dangerous than any other kind of solid waste. It is very important to know all about the e-waste before declaring it as health and environmental disaster. E-waste is the term used for old, end of life and discarded electronics appliances which are currently not in use. E-waste has both hazardous and valuable materials. Hazardous materials are lead, mercury, cadmium etc. On the other side, valuable materials are gold, silver, aluminium, plastics etc. The quantity of the valuable materials is very less as compared to the hazardous materials. In India, due to lack of formal reverse supply chain or formal collection channels, the e-waste is not managed properly. In this paper, various stakeholders are identified which play a vital role in making e-waste a health and environmental disaster. To understand the impor...

E-Waste as an emerging Public Health Challenge-Indian Perspective

isara solutions, 2022

E-waste is one of the fastest growing problems which pose a serious threat to the public health. India is the 3 rd largest producer of electronics waste, or e-waste, in the world after China and the United States. India generates 3230 (KT) of e-waste in 2019. Following the current growth rate of e-waste, it is estimated that India generates 5 million tonnes by 2021. E-Waste in India has emerged as a public health challenge as the disposal and recycling of e waste methods are unscientific though regulations are in vogue. Although the Indian Government introduced its dedicated e-waste management policy, less than 5% of e-waste in India is recycled through formally regulated units. The informal sector handles the rest with rudimentary methods without considering the environmental and health implications either for workers or public. Several research studies show a substantial risk to workers involved including women and children and also for public residing near the sites of recycling. Studies indicate that chemicals in e-waste such as lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium have serious health impacts on almost every organ in the human body. It creates a massive threat to the environment and health in India. This paper reviews studies that provide evidence for the association between exposure to e-waste and adverse health problems and discusses the existing regulations and e-waste management methods to address this rapidly growing problem.

Electronic waste - an emerging threat to the environment of urban India

Journal of environmental health science & engineering, 2014

Electronic waste or e-waste is one of the emerging problems in developed and developing countries worldwide. It comprises of a multitude of components with valuable materials, some containing toxic substances, that can have an adverse impact on human health and the environment. Previous studies show that India has generated 0.4 million tons of e-waste in 2010 which may increase to 0.5 to 0.6 million tons by 2013-2014. Coupled with lack of appropriate infrastructural facilities and procedures for its disposal and recycling have posed significant importance for e-waste management in India. In general, e-waste is generated through recycling of e-waste and also from dumping of these wastes from other countries. More of these wastes are ending up in dumping yards and recycling centers, posing a new challenge to the environment and policy makers as well. In general electronic gadgets are meant to make our lives happier and simpler, but the toxicity it contains, their disposal and recyclin...

E-Waste Management in India

IJIREEICE, 2020

Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices. The composition of e-waste may be electronic components of computer, cell phones, battery, metals and plastic used in cables and in circuit boards. Etc. Electronic gadgets contain thousands of components made of deadly chemicals and metals like lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, polyvinyl chlorides (PVC). These substances can damage the nervous systems, kidney, bones, reproductive and endocrine systems. The inhalation of toxic fumes, as well as from accumulation of chemicals in soil, water and food. Atmospheric pollution due to burning and dismantling activities seems to be the main cause of occupational and secondary exposure. It effects the environment-to food-chain contamination, as contaminants may accumulate in agricultural lands. The most chemicals of concern have a slow metabolic rate in animals, and may bio accumulate in tissues and be excreted in edible products such as eggs and milk. This paper includes some study of sources of e-waste and its impact on environment. Some of disposal techniques and steps taken by Govt. of India to manage & utilize the e-waste have been discussed.

E-Waste Management and Public Health : A scenario of Indian Cities

Electronic waste has turned out to be a critical environmental health issue because of the large and growing volume of E-Waste and inadequate management policies. In the last two decades, there has been an exponential growth in the production and consumption of electrical and electronic equipments. The rapid growth of technology along with up gradation in technical innovation has lead to high rate of obsolescence in electronic industry. This has made e-waste as one of the fastest growing waste streams not only in India but on a global scale. E-waste contains hazardous components which are handled in an environment unfriendly manner, thus causing a threat of deterioration in environmental conditions and human health. In this paper, we present an overview of the various lethal substances present in e-waste, their potential environmental and human health impacts along with the strategies currently being used for e-waste management.

CROSSING THE LIMIT: E-WASTE DYNAMICS, IMPACTS, AND LEGISLATION IN INDIA

Rapidly changing technology and short product lifecycle make electronic products obsolete in quick time and ending up as e-waste that is either internally generated or is imported from other countries. Worldwide there is a growing debate on electronic waste (e-waste) which is a burgeoning problem in developed and developing countries and it is posing a new challenge to the environment regulators and policy makers to combat. E-waste comprises of a multitude of components with valuable materials, some containing toxic substances that can have adverse impact ecology, directly or indirectly on living beings, and pollute the environment if not handled properly. In India, ewaste management assumes greater significance due to lack of implementation of rules for effective processing of ewaste, inadequate infrastructure and procedures for its disposal and recycling, besides dumping of e-waste from developed countries. Most of the users are unaware of the potential negative impact of e-wastes which is ending up in dumping yards and recycling centers. This study provides a comprehensive overview of India's current e-waste scenario, environmental impact and health hazards, disposal and recycling methods, existing legal framework, and recommendations for immediate action to steer clear of its impact on all concerned.

Electronic Waste impacting Health and Environment, It's Management -Global & Indian Perspective

Use of electronics equipment and their disposal is increasing exponentially with time. The disposal of equipment is in proportion to obsolescence which in turn is linked with adoption of new technology. It has attributed around 10 % growth in e-Waste in India. Recycling of e-Waste through environment friendly means is utmost need of the day. Still in India, instead of using standardised technology based methods in recycling, it is carried out by using primitive means which are extremely hazardous and spoiling the environment. Development of an ecosystem comprising adequate legislation, restrictions on hazardous substance (RoHS) , cost-effective technology based recycling solution, awareness to all stakeholders & general public on electronic waste is to be ensured and full proof management practices warrantying environment protection and eco-friendly manufacturing and recycling are to be adopted.