Detailed Study of Air quality control and monitoring for E-waste

recycling
Shreya Sri – 200262
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Abstract
This article examines drawing on Air quality control and monitoring for E-waste recycling
based on information gathered from the examination of a variety of other articles. The
significance of its historical significance provides insight into the quality of air and the
significance of the monitoring. The sections on methods of monitoring make up the bulk of
this article. In the post, we will go into further detail about each of these points.

Introduction:
The exponential rise of e-waste, which is made up of old electrical and electronic equipment,
has become a major environmental problem. E-waste recycling, which includes the
systematic collection of e-waste and its treatment so that useful materials can be recycled
from it, is a useful way to reduce the growing pile of e-waste, make up for the lack of some
basic resources, and help the economy. Depending on how e-waste is recycled, it can also be
a source of toxic substances like heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants . To use
the benefits of recycling e-waste without putting public health at risk, we need a balanced
approach that includes better product design, a higher recycling rate, and the least amount of
dangerous e-waste pollutants released into the environment. In this article, we talk about the
possibilities, problems, and ways to improve the way e-waste is handled. We also talk about
the current global trend in the amount of e-waste being made and give an overview of how e-
waste is recycled and how the pollutants in e-waste affect human health. Last but not least,
we talked about a few things that can be done to make recycling electronic trash easier and
safer.

Air quality and its significance on environment:

The composition of the air we breathe and the presence of contaminants in it are referred to
as air quality. A clean environment is essential for our health, well-being, and the
environment. Poor air quality can cause a variety of health issues, including respiratory
ailments, heart disease, and even premature mortality. Particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and
ozone are all pollutants that can harm the lungs, aggravate asthma, and raise the risk of heart
attacks and strokes. It can also have a substantial environmental impact. Pollutants have the
potential to harm wildlife and ecosystems, as well as damage agriculture and contribute to
climate change. Acid rain, for example, is created by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
emissions, and it can harm forests, lakes, and streams.
Poor air quality can also have economic repercussions. It can result in higher healthcare costs,
missed workdays due to illness, and lower productivity. It may also discourage tourists and
investment in the afflicted areas. It frequently disproportionately affects marginalised
communities and low-income neighbourhoods. Because of their proximity to industrial sites,
highways, and other pollution sources, people residing in these locations may be more
exposed to pollutants.

Air quality control:

Controlling air quality involves monitoring, regulating, and enhancing the integrity of the air
we breathe. Our health and the environment depend on the quality of the air we breathe.
Inadequate air quality can cause respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and even
premature mortality. Some of the ways to control and regulate air quality:

• Air quality control begins with monitoring the quality of the air we breathe. This
entails using air quality monitors to measure contaminants such particulate matter,
nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and ozone. This data is then used to analyse air
quality and identify regions with low air quality.
• Pollutant emissions must be decreased in order to control air quality. There are
various approaches to this, including:
1. Cleaner fuels, such as natural gas and biofuels, emit fewer pollutants than
traditional fuels, such as coal and oil.
2. Utilization of Clean Technologies: Pollutant-free technologies such as electric
vehicles, solar electricity, and wind power are increasingly being employed to
reduce emissions.
3. Pollution control equipment, such as scrubbers and filters, can be used to
remove contaminants from industrial emissions.
• Governments establish policies and standards for controlling air quality. restrictions
on the amounts of pollutants that can be emitted into the atmosphere by industrial and
 commercial activities, as well as restrictions on the levels of pollutants that can be
present in the air, are included in these laws. Inspections and sanctions are used to
ensure that these regulations are followed.
• Air quality control can also benefit from urban development. Urban planners, for
example, can build communities to lessen the demand for automobiles and increase
the use of public transportation, walking, and cycling. They can also design energy-
efficient structures, decreasing the need for fossil fuels for heating and cooling.
• Finally, public education is crucial for air quality control. The public needs to be
aware of the dangers of poor air quality and how they can help to reduce emissions.
This can include promoting the use of public transportation, encouraging energy
efficiency, and educating people on how to properly dispose of hazardous waste.

E-waste:
E-waste, also known as electronic waste, is any electronic device or equipment that is no longer in
use, has reached the end of its useful life, or has been disposed by its owner. Computers, mobile
phones, televisions, printers, and other electronic gadgets are examples of such goods. It is an
increasing concern around the world, as the usage of electronic equipment increases and their
lifespans shorten. E-waste can have negative environmental and health consequences if it is not
properly disposed of or recycled, as it
can release harmful chemicals and
compounds into the air, soil, and water.

Many governments and organisations

have implemented legislation and
policies for the proper management
and disposal of e-waste in order to
solve this issue. This can involve
recycling initiatives, collecting and
disposal facilities, and prohibitions on e-
waste export to underdeveloped
countries. It is critical to properly
manage and dispose of e-waste in order to minimise its environmental impact and preserve human
health. Recycling e-waste can also help to recover valuable resources, such as precious metals, that
can be reused in the creation of new electronic products, reducing the need for mining and the
environmental problems connected with it.

Contribution of e-waste in the quality of air:

In numerous ways, e-waste contributes to air pollution. When electronic gadgets are
incorrectly disposed of or recycled, dangerous chemicals and particulates are released into the
environment. Here are a few ways that e-waste contributes to air pollution:

• Burning: In some nations, e-waste is burned as a disposal method. This burning emits
dangerous chemicals and particles into the air, such as dioxins and furans, both of
which are very poisonous and can cause cancer and other health problems.
• Shredding: When e-waste is shredded during the recycling process, dust and other
particles are released into the air. Toxic metals and other dangerous compounds, such
as lead and cadmium, can be found in this dust, causing respiratory problems and
other health concerns.
• Transportation: The emissions from vehicles used to carry the rubbish might add to air
pollution. This can include emissions of greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, and
particulate matter.
• Material Extraction: The extraction of materials from e-waste, such as valuable
metals, can potentially contribute to air pollution. The employment of chemicals in
the extraction process, such as cyanide, can emit toxic fumes and particles into the
atmosphere.
• Landfills: As e-waste decomposes in landfills, it can release toxic chemicals into the
environment. This can contain gases like methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.

Importance of handling E-waste to control air quality:

E-waste management is critical for protecting air quality since improper electronic waste
disposal can discharge dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere. Toxic compounds in e-
waste, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants, can be damaging to
human health and the environment. These harmful compounds can be released into the air
when e-waste is illegally disposed of or burnt, contributing to air pollution. Furthermore, the
combustion of e-waste can emit toxic chemicals such as dioxins and furans, which can harm
air quality and human health.
Furthermore, e-waste can contribute to air
pollution by consuming the energy and materials
needed to manufacture new electronic gadgets.
We can lessen the need for new electronics by
correctly processing and recycling e-waste,
which can help reduce the associated air
pollution from manufacturing. Correct e-waste
management, such as recycling and correct
disposal of hazardous items, can help decrease the emission of harmful pollutants into the
atmosphere, thereby protecting human health and the environment. It can also assist in the
recovery of valuable materials from electronic equipment, so lowering the need for mining
and the accompanying environmental implications.
Finally, e-waste management is critical for maintaining air quality and protecting human
health. Proper electronic waste handling and disposal can help prevent the release of
dangerous pollutants into the environment while also promoting the recovery of valuable
materials and lowering the need for new devices to be manufactured.

Ways to improve e-waste handling:

• Education and awareness campaigns can assist raise awareness about the necessity of
safe e-waste disposal and inspire individuals and organisations to take action to
decrease their environmental effect. This can involve offering information on
recycling programmes and proper electronic equipment disposal.
• Proper Hazardous Material Disposal: It is critical to properly dispose of hazardous
items such as lead, cadmium, and mercury to prevent them from seeping into the
environment and causing harm. This includes distinguishing hazardous materials from
non-hazardous materials during the recycling process and disposing of them in
compliance with standards.
• Reusing electronic gadgets, such as giving or selling them, can increase their useful
life and lessen the demand for new ones.
• Recycling and refurbishment of electronic gadgets can assist recover precious
materials while reducing the demand for mining and the manufacturing of new
materials. Refurbishment can also supply low-cost electronics to those who cannot
afford to buy new items.
• Designing electronic equipment with sustainability in mind, such as employing
recyclable materials or creating more lasting goods, can help reduce e-waste and its
environmental impact.

Conclusion:
To summarize, e-waste is a growing global problem as the consumption of electronic
gadgets increases and the lifespan of these products shortens. Improper e-waste disposal
can have serious environmental and health consequences, including air pollution. We can
 improve e-waste handling and reduce its impact on the environment and human health by
developing e-waste collection programs, education and awareness campaigns, extended
producer responsibility, recycling and refurbishment, proper disposal of hazardous
materials, reuse, and green design. Proper e-waste disposal is critical for sustaining air
quality and protecting human health, and individuals, companies, and governments must
work together to address this issue.

References:
https://www.epa.gov/air-research/air-quality-and-climate-change-research
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00014/full
https://www.mass.gov/doc/health-environmental-effects-of-air-
pollution/download#:~:text=Air%20pollution%20can%20damage%20crops,(such%20as%20
harsh%20weather).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/air-quality-impact
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_pollution
https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/cleaning-electronic-waste-e-waste
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste
https://www.britannica.com/technology/electronic-waste
https://bazallergy.com/understand-the-basics-of-the-air-quality-index/
https://blogs.furman.edu/mgoldsmith2/enviornmental/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412018312662
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