Protecting future generations from E-waste: Policy gaps and WHO's call to action.

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technology has revolutionized education, communication and healthcare but created a parallel crisis: e-waste. Globally, 53.6 million tonnes were generated in 2019, with only 17.4% formally recycled. The remainder is processed through unsafe methods such as open burning, acid leaching and crude dismantling. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable due to rapid growth, immature organs and special circumstances. India is the world's third-largest e-waste generator, producing 1.71 million tonnes annually,¹ while WHO estimates report 3230 kilotons in 2019.¹ Over 90% is handled informally, often involving child labour or exposure in contaminated communities. Documented childhood injury includes impaired neurodevelopment, poor birth outcomes, respiratory illness, endocrine disruption, immune dysfunction, DNA damage and higher lifetime risk of chronic diseases. Despite E-Waste Management Rules, awareness among paediatricians, policymakers and parents remains limited. Urgent measures include training, biomonitoring, prohibition of child labour and integration of e-waste risks into national child health programmes. Protecting children from e-waste is both a health necessity and a developmental imperative aligned with many local Sustainable Development Goals.