Jessica Seeberger, Radhika Grandhi, Stephani S Kim, William A Mase, Tiina Reponen, Shuk-mei Ho, Aimin Chen
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Electronic waste (e-waste) generation is increasing worldwide, and its management becomes a significant challenge because of the many toxicants present in electronic devices. The U.S. is a major producer of e-waste, although its management practice and policy regulation are not sufficient to meet the challenge. We reviewed e-waste generation, current management practices and trends, policy challenges, potential health impact, and toxicant exposure prevention in the U.S. A large amount of toxic metals, flame retardants, and other persistent organic pollutants exist in e-waste or can be released from the disposal of e-waste (e.g., landfill, incineration, recycling). Landfill is still a major method used to dispose of obsolete electronic devices, and only about half of the states have initiated a landfill ban for e-waste. Recycling of e-waste is an increasing trend in the past few years. There is potential, however, for workers to be exposed to a mixture of toxicants in e-waste and these exposures should be curtailed. Perspectives and recommendations are provided regarding managing e-waste in the U.S. to protect public health, including enacting federal legislation, discontinuing landfill disposal, protecting workers in recycling facilities from toxicant exposure, reducing toxicant release into the environment, and raising awareness of this growing environmental health issue among the public.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Environmental Health (JEH) is published 10 times per year by the National Environmental Health Association and keeps readers up-to-date on current issues, new research, useful products and services, and employment opportunities. As the only direct link to the complete spectrum of environmental health topics, the JEH reaches more than 20,000 professionals working to solve problems in areas such as
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hazardous materials/toxic substances management,
institutional environmental health,
occupational safety and health,
terrorism and all-hazards preparedness,
vector control,
wastewater management, and
water pollution control/water quality.