ELECTRONIC WASTE CHILDREN UNDER SIEGE Tawanda Collins Muzamwese
COMING OF THE DIGITAL AGE The digital evolution happening in the technological age, is one of the biggest breakthroughs of our generation. Advent of computers, mobile phones, printers and other electronic gadgets has become a pivotal facet of daily life. The gadget craze has literally gripped all age groups. However, dealing with the waste products at the end of the life cycle is an issue which remains unresolved in many parts of the world, resulting in the generation of electronic waste. Electronic waste (e-waste) includes waste electric and electronic devices commonly referred to as WEEE – Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Typical forms of e-waste include laptop screens, circuit boards, old fridges, freezers, electronic equipment containing Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), fluorescent tubes and batteries. More than 50 million tonnes of electronic waste is generated globally. City councils are normally used to dealing with general municipal waste
comprising of paper, plastic, glass, rubber, aluminium and other less complex waste constituents. Electronic Waste is emerging as a special waste stream in many developing countries including in Zimbabwe. Controlling this waste stream is necessary in order to promote sustainable development. Stockpiles are actually building up in many African countries. In some countries electronic waste is accumulating under the guise of second hand imports of electronic goods. Smuggling also makes matters worse in the middle of the burgeoning crisis. TOXICOLOGY OF ELECTRONIC WASTE Toxicology refers to the dose-response effects of hazardous materials with relation to exposure of humans and other organisms. It gives us an indication of the adverse effects which are exhibited by a harmful substance. Electronic waste is well known to exhibit some toxic characteristics due to its composition comprising of toxic chemicals. In cases where electronic
waste is burnt, toxic emissions and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can be introduced in the environment at the detriment of air quality. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and chromium when burnt, can easily accumulate in fatty tissue of the body and later exhibit chronic effects in different body organs. Heavy metals in electronic waste and effects on children’s developing nervous systems. In young children, heavy metals can affect the development of nervous systems, thereby hampering their learning capabilities. Children can experience lead poisoning due to exposure to lead fumes. Children also face double tragedy as they do not have the ability to understand fully the conditions affecting their bodies. E-waste exposure can induce mental problems in young children through damaging the nervous system development. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that exposure to Electronic a waste can result in harmful effects on the mental health of children.
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