Health hazards as a side effect of using digital tools

Basics

• Why in News: India generated 2.2 million tonnes of e-waste in 2025, with informal recycling hubs causing severe health and environmental hazards.
• Definition:
  • E-waste = discarded electronic products (mobiles, laptops, TVs, circuit boards, batteries, cables, etc.).
  • It is the fastest-growing solid waste stream globally.
• India’s Position (2025):
  • Generated 2.2 million tonnes of e-waste (3rd largest after China & USA).
  • Growth of 150% since 2017–18 (0.71 MT).
  • At current pace, volumes may double by 2030.

Relevance

• GS3 (Environment & Health): Pollution, Waste management, Urban sustainability.
• GS2 (Governance & Policy): Implementation challenges of E-waste Rules, federal role in regulation.

Current Status in India

• Geography:
  • Urban epicentres → 60% of e-waste from 65 cities.
  • Hotspots: Seelampur & Mustafabad (Delhi), Moradabad (UP), Bhiwandi (Maharashtra).
• Recycling ecosystem:
  • 322 formal recycling units with 2.2 MT capacity exist.
  • But >50% e-waste is handled informally by kabadiwalas, scrap dealers, and home-based workshops.
• Methods used informally: manual dismantling, acid leaching, open burning, unsafe dumping.
• Toxins released:
  • Heavy metals → lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium.
  • POPs → dioxins, furans, brominated flame retardants.
  • PM2.5/PM10 from burning wires.
• Air quality impact:
  • Seelampur’s PM2.5 > 300 μg/m³, ~12× WHO safe limit (25 μg/m³).

Health Hazards

1. Respiratory illnesses
   1. Inhalation of fine particles → chronic bronchitis, asthma, wheezing, chest tightness.
   2. 2025 Indian study: 76–80% informal workers showed chronic respiratory symptoms.
2. Neurological & Developmental damage
   1. Lead & mercury exposure → cognitive decline, reduced IQ, behavioral issues, endocrine disruption.
   2. Children at highest risk → exposure via soil, dust, contaminated water.
   3. WHO: millions of children globally exposed to unsafe lead due to e-waste.
3. Skin & Eye Disorders
   1. Direct handling of CRTs, acids, metals → rashes, burns, dermatitis, eye irritation.
   2. Some clusters report up to 100% prevalence of skin problems among recyclers.
4. Reproductive & Genetic impacts
   1. Increased miscarriages & preterm births in contaminated areas.
   2. DNA damage, oxidative stress, immune system alterations in children.
5. Syndemic effects
   1. Health impacts worsen when combined with poverty, malnutrition, unsafe housing, lack of healthcare.
   2. Creates overlapping disease burden among urban poor.

Policy Framework

• E-Waste Management Rules, 2022:
  • Strengthened Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
  • Mandatory registration of dismantlers/recyclers.
  • Incentives for formal recycling.
• Gaps:
  • Weak enforcement → only 43% of e-waste formally processed (2023–24).
  • Informal sector dominates.
  • EPR credit price caps → legal disputes with manufacturers.

Global Context

• China (Guiyu): major informal hub with severe pollution & child health crises.
• West Africa (Benin, Ghana): high respiratory illnesses among informal workers.
• US & EU: focus on advanced recycling tech + export bans on e-waste to developing countries.

Way Forward

1. Formalisation of informal sector
   1. Integrate kabadiwalas → skill training, PPE, social security.
   2. Provide safe infrastructure & access to healthcare.
2. Regulatory Strengthening
   1. Empower Pollution Control Boards.
   2. Digital tracking of e-waste.
   3. Mandatory audits & penalties for non-compliance.
3. Health Interventions
   1. Medical surveillance, regular camps in hotspots.
   2. Long-term studies on children’s health.
4. Technology & Innovation
   1. Invest in low-cost, decentralised recycling technologies.
   2. R&D for eco-friendly dismantling methods.
5. Public Awareness & Education
   1. School-level inclusion of e-waste education.
   2. Mass campaigns to encourage responsible disposal.