E-Waste: A judicious management for the protection of human health and environment

Abstract

In 1959, Robert Noyce's invention of the first monolithic integrated circuit chip revolutionized the electronics industry, leading to an explosion of new electronics devices for human convenience. However, this digital revolution, coupled with scientific and technological advancements, has also given rise to a pressing issue: electronic waste, or E-Waste. The United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) warn that global E-Waste is accumulating at a rate five times faster than it is being recycled. In 2022 alone, a staggering 62 million tons of E-Waste were produced worldwide. E-waste is laden with toxic materials such as lead, beryllium, cadmium, and many other toxic materials, posing significant threats to both human health and the environment. Improper disposal of E-Waste can contaminate soil and groundwater, exacerbating these hazards. To mitigate these risks, it is imperative to manage E-Waste judiciously and in an environmentally friendly manner. In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has established the E-Waste Management Rules of 2022 to regulate E-Waste management practices. The primary objective of this paper is to raise awareness about the importance of responsibly managing E-Waste to safeguard human health and preserve the environment. Effective management practices are essential to address the health hazards and environmental consequences associated with toxic materials in E-Waste.