3.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH E-WASTE

3.0 Hazardous Nature of E-waste

E-waste is potentially hazardous waste due to unscientific handling, treatment, incineration and
dumping. A list of E-waste components containing hazardous substances as per International
Labour Organization (ILO) is presented in Table 3.1. The list indicates that these components
should be treated scientifically and should not end up in a landfill or an incinerator or mixed with
other types of waste.

Table 3.1: Hazardous Chemicals Contained in Some E-waste

Chemical Source in Electronic Health Concerns
Products

Antimony CRTs, Printed Circuit Very hazardous in event of ingestion, hazardous in event of skin of eye
Boards, etc. contact, and inhalation. Causes damage to the blood, kidneys, lungs,
nervous system, liver and mucous membranes.
Arsenic Used to make transistors Soluble inorganic arsenic in acutely toxic and intake of inorganic arsenic
over a long period can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. Effects, which
can take years to develop, include skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy,
gastro-intestinal symptoms, diabetes, renal system effects, cardiovascular
disease and cancer.
Barium Front Panel of CRTs Short term exposure causes muscle weakness and damage to heart, liver
and spleen. It also produces brain swelling after short exposure.
Beryllium Motherboards of Carcinogenic (causing lung cnacer), and inhalation of fumes and dust
computers can cause chronic beryllium disease or beryllicosis and skin diseases such
as warts.
Cadmium Chip resistors and Has toxic, irreversible effects on human health and accumulates in
semiconductors kidney and liver (Op. cit.). Has toxic effects on the kidney, the skeletal
system and the respiratory system, and is classified as a human
carcinogen.
Chloro-Fluorocarbons In older fridges and Found to destroy the ozone layer and is a potent greenhouse gas. Direct
(CFCs) coolers exposure can cause unconsciousness, shortness of breath and irregular
heartbeat. Can also cause confusion, drowsiness, coughing, sore throat,
difficulty in breathing and eye redness and pain. Direct skin contact with
some types of CFCs can cause frostbite or dry skin.

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