New Delhi: If electronic waste is not properly managed, it can pose serious risks to our planet. Here are some explanations for why e-waste is dangerous:

1. Environmental Impact: E-waste contains various toxic substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. When improperly disposed of or incinerated, these substances can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing serious risks to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The toxic components can leach into groundwater and enter the food chain, causing long-term environmental damage.

2. Human Health Risks: Exposure to hazardous materials in e-waste can have severe health consequences. Workers involved in informal recycling operations, often in developing countries, are particularly vulnerable. They may inhale toxic fumes, come into direct contact with harmful substances, or handle e-waste without proper protective measures. This can lead to respiratory problems, neurological disorders, organ damage, and an increased risk of cancer.

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3. Resource Depletion: Electronic devices contain valuable and scarce resources, including precious metals like gold, silver, and copper. When e-waste is not recycled or recovered properly, these resources are lost forever. Inefficient disposal practices contribute to the depletion of finite resources, increasing the need for more mining and extraction, which has its own environmental and social impacts.

4. Energy Consumption: The production and disposal of electronic devices require significant amounts of energy. When e-waste is not recycled, the need for manufacturing new products increases, leading to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. By recycling e-waste, valuable materials can be recovered and reused, reducing the energy and environmental footprint associated with new product manufacturing.

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Promoting responsible and sustainable practises throughout the lifecycle of electronic devices is essential to reducing the risks associated with e-waste. This entails creating products with a longer lifespan, making repair and upgrade options more accessible, putting in place efficient recycling programmes, and educating people in general about the value of good e-waste management.

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