Emerging Challenges of E-Waste Management: A Growing Socio Environmental Concern

Abstract

Abstract: In the past few decades, there has been a substantial increase in global demand for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) due to the addition of advanced features, capacity, and speed etc. This has resulted in a shorter lifespan of EEE (s) and stacks of electronic waste (e-waste). Considering the global e-waste issue, this study analyses the impact of e-waste, treatment of e-waste depending upon EEE (s) (recycling, dumping, and burning), impact on the environment (air, bottom ash, dust, soil, and water), and on human health (chronic and acute diseases). In addition, the literature lacks accurate data and recent research; hence, this study bridges the research gap, specifically in the developing country’s scenario. The study concludes that burning of e-waste has contaminated industrial and urban environments by exceeding environmental reference limits by involving approx. 50 hazardous elements and compounds. Moreover, dealing with e-waste has exposed workers to hazardous gases and chemicals, threatening their health and families due to lack of appropriate equipment, especially in underdeveloped countries. It is high time to learn from developed countries' research, experience, and expertise in dealing with e-waste.