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cathode-ray tubes, glass, etc. are considered Electronic-waste. In several countries
recycling of above-mentioned Electronic-waste is done formally as well as in an
informal manner. Formal recycling techniques utilize well-designed techniques and
machinery to separate the useful products from the Electronic-waste in an expansive
manner, and this type of formal recycling techniques does not have much impact to
our environment when compared to informal recycling techniques, which are carried in underdeveloped and developing countries, which emit several pollutants in
the environment. The exposure to hazardous components in the way of ingestion,
skin contact, and inhalation by the mediums like soil, water, food, and air is seen.
The risk of exposure is seen in workers; women and children are found to be at
maximum risk due to the additional medium of exposures (maternal feeding, handto- mouth activities, care fewer behaviours). The exposure from the workers transfers to other family members through dermal contact, clothes, etc.; hazardous
chemicals or compounds from Electronic-waste come either from the recycling process or from components of the electronic equipment. Some persistent organic pollutants such as brominated flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls,
hexabromocyclododecane, polybrominated diphenyls, di-brominated diphenyl
ethers, and polychlorinated and polybrominated dioxins are seen in Electronicwaste. Persistent organic pollutants formed during dismantling and smelting consist
of polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polychlorinated
dibenzodioxins. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are generated during
incomplete combustion of fuels like coal, gas, oil, etc., react with Electronic-waste
materials and form hydrocarbons. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium,
mercury, copper, manganese, nickel, arsenic, zinc, iron, and aluminium are the
results of Electronic-waste threats. Table 11.1 briefly shows various hazards caused
by different components of Electronic-waste.
11.5.1 Effects on Air
Many Electronic-waste contaminants spread into the air via dust by transporting the
Electronic-waste to developing countries where recycling processes are poorly regulated. In developing countries, due to informal economics, Electronic-wastes are
recycled by way of dismantling and shredding with the release of a large amount of
dust, which creates a respiratory problem for workers. Unregulated burning at low
temperatures releases dioxins, which damages humans as well as animals.
11.5.2 Effects on Aquatic Organisms
Introduction of Electronic-waste contaminants to water bodies poses hazards to
aquatic organisms. The local resident’s life was affected due to dumping and other
Electronic-waste recycling activities. The heavy metals such as lead, barium,
K. Grace Pavithra et al.
cathode-ray tubes, glass, etc. are considered Electronic-waste. In several countries
recycling of above-mentioned Electronic-waste is done formally as well as in an
informal manner. Formal recycling techniques utilize well-designed techniques and
machinery to separate the useful products from the Electronic-waste in an expansive
manner, and this type of formal recycling techniques does not have much impact to
our environment when compared to informal recycling techniques, which are carried in underdeveloped and developing countries, which emit several pollutants in
the environment. The exposure to hazardous components in the way of ingestion,
skin contact, and inhalation by the mediums like soil, water, food, and air is seen.
The risk of exposure is seen in workers; women and children are found to be at
maximum risk due to the additional medium of exposures (maternal feeding, handto- mouth activities, care fewer behaviours). The exposure from the workers transfers to other family members through dermal contact, clothes, etc.; hazardous
chemicals or compounds from Electronic-waste come either from the recycling process or from components of the electronic equipment. Some persistent organic pollutants such as brominated flame retardants, polychlorinated biphenyls,
hexabromocyclododecane, polybrominated diphenyls, di-brominated diphenyl
ethers, and polychlorinated and polybrominated dioxins are seen in Electronicwaste. Persistent organic pollutants formed during dismantling and smelting consist
of polychlorinated dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polychlorinated
dibenzodioxins. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are generated during
incomplete combustion of fuels like coal, gas, oil, etc., react with Electronic-waste
materials and form hydrocarbons. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium,
mercury, copper, manganese, nickel, arsenic, zinc, iron, and aluminium are the
results of Electronic-waste threats. Table 11.1 briefly shows various hazards caused
by different components of Electronic-waste.
11.5.1 Effects on Air
Many Electronic-waste contaminants spread into the air via dust by transporting the
Electronic-waste to developing countries where recycling processes are poorly regulated. In developing countries, due to informal economics, Electronic-wastes are
recycled by way of dismantling and shredding with the release of a large amount of
dust, which creates a respiratory problem for workers. Unregulated burning at low
temperatures releases dioxins, which damages humans as well as animals.
11.5.2 Effects on Aquatic Organisms
Introduction of Electronic-waste contaminants to water bodies poses hazards to
aquatic organisms. The local resident’s life was affected due to dumping and other
Electronic-waste recycling activities. The heavy metals such as lead, barium,
K. Grace Pavithra et al.