As outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their fact sheet “Electronic Waste (E-Waste),” the improper handling of discarded electronic devices poses a major global threat to both human health and the environment. With millions of tonnes of e-waste generated each year, the consequences of unsound recycling and disposal practices are increasingly urgent.
E-waste includes commonly used devices such as computers, mobile phones, medical equipment, and large household appliances. Once these items become obsolete, many are dumped, illegally exported, or recycled using unsafe practices that can release over a thousand toxic chemicals—including lead, mercury, and dioxins—into the environment. These pollutants contaminate air, water, and soil, creating long-term ecological damage and severe health risks, especially for those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where regulatory enforcement is often weak or nonexistent.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of World Health Organization — https://www.who.int/