E-waste, also known as electronic waste, has come under attack in recent years due to its negative effects on the environment and human health. E-waste is often considered an overlooked epidemic, as the long-term impact of this waste is still unclear.
Still, many e-waste recycling centers have been created in recent years in an effort to protect humans and the planet. In this article, 3 devastating effects of e-waste are discussed. Towards the end of the article, the importance of e-recycling is emphasized.
3 Scary Effects Of E-Waste
In this section, three scary effects of e-waste are discussed in greater depth.
” A few questions to consider: do you still watch movies from a VCR player? More than likely, no. Are you purchasing the latest cell phone every time a new one is released? If you’re like almost 50 percent of iPhone users, the answer is probably yes. How many computers have you gone through in your lifetime? Probably quite a few. Have you recently updated any large house appliances? Maybe, because studies show people are buying new appliances more than ever. ”
1. E-Waste Negatively Impacts The Soil
First, e-waste can have a damaging effect on the soil of a region. As e-waste breaks down, it releases toxic heavy metals. Such heavy metals include lead, arsenic, and cadmium. When these toxins leach into the soil, they influence the plants and trees that are crowing from this soil.
Thus, these toxins can enter the human food supply, which can lead to birth defects as well as a number of other health complications.
2. E-Waste Negatively Impacts The Water
E-waste that is improperly disposed of by residents or businesses also leads to toxins entering groundwater. This groundwater is what underlies many surface streams, ponds, and lakes. Many animals rely on these channels of water for nourishment. Thus, these toxins can make these animals sick and cause imbalances in the planetary ecosystem.
E-waste can also impact humans that rely on this water. Toxins like lead, barium, mercury, and lithium are also considered carcinogenic.
3. E-Waste Negatively Impacts The Air
When e-waste is disposed of at the landfill, it’s usually burned by incinerators on site. This process can release hydrocarbons in the atmosphere, which pollutes the air that many animals and humans rely on. Furthermore, these hydrocarbons can contribute to the greenhouse gas effect, which many scientists think is a leading contributor to global warming.
In some parts of the world, desperate people sift through landfills in order to salvage e-waste for money. Yet, some of these people burn unwanted parts like wires in order to extract copper, which can lead to air pollution as well.
Final Thoughts On The Effects Of E-Waste On The Environment
As you can see, the effects of e-waste on the environment can be devastating. Even though the long-term effects of e-waste are still unknown, it certainly has some negative impact on soil, water, and air quality. These are all necessary parts of a healthy planet. PC Dreams Group offers a disposal drop-off location for residents and a pick-up service for businesses.
This center and many others have advanced technology and specialized technicians that do a great job of properly recycling e-waste. These practices will help return the planet to a state of balance.
