E-Waste Explosion: The Hidden Crisis in Nepal
Green Rise Nepal
Informing you about important aspects of your existence Associated with @studentsocietyforclimatechange
In today's digital age, our lives are increasingly jumbled in the world of electronic devices that make communication, work, and leisure more convenient than ever before. We are addicted to electronic devices. It is seemed that no work is possible without it. We can find infants to old people using mobile phones. However, this technological progress comes with a hidden problem: electronic waste, or e-waste. This issue has emerged as a pressing environmental and health concern worldwide. According to WHO, every year millions of electrical and electronic devices are discarded as products break or become obsolete and are thrown away. These discarded devices are considered e-waste and can become a threat to the environment and to human health if they are not treated, disposed of, and recycled appropriately. Moreover, managing e-waste responsibly has become crucial to mitigate its negative impacts on the environment and human well-being.
Definition:
E-waste or electronic waste is regarded as the electronic that are not functioning, not in use and are no longer wanted. Likewise, e-waste is considered hazardous waste as it contains toxic materials or can produce toxic chemicals when treated inappropriately. Many of these toxic materials are known or suspected to cause harm to human health, and several are included in the 10 chemicals of public health concern, including dioxins, lead and mercury. Inferior recycling of e-waste is a threat to public health and safety. Some of the basic e-wastes include cellphones, smartphones, laptops, computers, desktops, DVDs, printers, video games, televisions, and other home appliances such as, fans, microwaves, heaters, refrigerators, and many more.
E-waste Rise in Nepal
As technology progresses in Nepal, the country is dealing with a growing challenge of electronic waste (e-waste) that requires immediate action. According to the Department of Customs, Nepal imported of smartphones totaling Rs 13.6 billion in the first five months of the fiscal year 2023/24. This flow in e-waste generation in Nepal is believed to be increasing by factors such as consumer wealth, widespread technology adoption, and shorter life spans of today’s electronic products. Consequently, outdated and malfunctioning electronic devices are frequently discarded which has been ending up in landfills creating environment degradation.
Our recent investigation at service centers in Tamrakar House, Kathmandu, has shown major concerns of the workers and service providers regarding e-waste management. Many mentioned concerns and frustration over the absence of regulations for e-waste management by Nepal government. They talked about difficulties in disposing of generated waste and has led to stockpiling. Likewise, a worker at a Samsung service center revealed the initial challenges they faced managing e-waste. Due to the lack of support from Nepal government they had to hire the overseas vendors for dumping solutions. Despite these challenges, the government has still not shown sufficient attention to the increasing issue of e-waste in Nepal. This has resulted in environmental degradation and pollution of the nation. Addressing these challenges and problems is very necessary.
Health Impacts of E-waste:
The improper management of e-waste leads to environment degradation which has an adverse effect on our health. The hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium and so on found in the electronic waste products damages our health. E-waste is a major concern because it has following impacts on human health:
1. Neurodevelopment: The substances found in e-waste such as lead and mercury is highly toxic and it can even cross the blood-brain barrier especially in children. This leads to cognitive damages, low IQ, and slow developments in children. Moreover, pregnant women are also one of the high risk victims of exposure of e-waste. Pregnant women who are exposed to these toxic metals risk of fetal development issues.
2. Respiratory Issues: The burning of e-waste releases substances such as dioxins and furans. These are highly toxic and can cause respiratory issues such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and many more. Likewise, the long term exposure can also cause slung cancer.
3. Cardiovascular Problems: The substance such as cadmium and lead also leads to hypertension, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks due to their ability to causes high stress and inflammation in blood vessels.
4. Kidney Damage: Metals such as cadmium and leads are nephrotoxic which means they can cause kidney damages. It can also lead to kidney failure.
Moreover, there are many other health impacts such as immune system damage, endocrine disruption, and mental health issues, reproductive and other chronic diseases. We must understand and address the health impacts of e-waste so that we can work towards creating a safer environment and healthy community.
Preventive Measures:
Every problem has a solution. Even the hazardous effects of e-waste can be addressed if we work towards it. Here are some preventive measures which can manage the e-waste and reduce its adverse effect on environment and human health.
1. E-waste Management Policies:
As mentioned above, Nepal government lacks e-waste management policies. Government shall enforce policies that promote the safe collection, recycling, reusing and disposal of e-waste. They should make proper rules and regulations for the management and disposal of e-waste in Nepal.
2. Proper Disposal and Recycling:
As responsible citizens, we must always embrace effective management techniques for handling e-waste. We can extend the life of electronic products by reusing them, selling, or donating them. When these products reach the end of their useful life, it is very important to dispose them in an environmentally safe manner by not degrading the environment.
3. Public Awareness:
We should always learn and share our experiences and knowledge with those around us to raise awareness. It helps people around us to know about the causes and effects of our actions. It is very necessary to educate the public about the threats of e-waste and advocate for responsible consumption and disposal practices. It can surely help reduce health risks and promote better environment.
In conclusion, e-waste is one of the rising global issues. With that it is also a rising issue for Nepal which has brought major challenges to public health and environment. Addressing these issues created by e-waste must require a proper attention from local government, agencies, local communities and more importantly individuals. Together, let’s manage e-waste responsibly and protect our environment.
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