Thread by @banarasikanya

#Thread #Thursday #Pollution

How many of you are aware about the problem of e-waste epidemic in India? Let's go through it in a small thread.

Let's know what's an e-waste! The daily dependency of human beings on electronic gadgets and their upgraded versions has led to a habit of using and discarding nature. This is the point where e-waste comes into picture. Fridge, TV, mobile phones, laptops, other add to e-waste.

India is world's 3rd largest producer of e-waste and produces around 3.23 million tonne of it per year. Just ranking below US and China. Saddest part of this lies in the fact that 95% of it is still handled by informal sector.

Ten cities of India that are biggest producer of these wastes are Mumbai which ranks first followed by Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Surat and Nagpur. Statewise UP ranks third in E-waste generation.

E waste not only acts as a direct source of pollution but it also affects the labors who in dismantling units. As an estimate around 25000 workers including children are involved in such units in Delhi alone. Pregnant women and children are under highest risk because of them.

Pregnant women, children & elderly are particularly susceptible to health risks. It is estimated that throughout India, 4-5 lakh child workers aged 10-15 involved in e-waste recycling activities. (The Emerging Environmental and Public Health Problem of Electronic Waste in India)

“Direct contact of harmful materials such as Pb, Cd, Cr, brominated flame retardants or PCBs. Exposure to toxic fumes cause serious health hazards. Toxic chemicals & heavy metals leaching into soil and water may cause pollution, toxic fumes cause air pollution,” says MEITY

A more detail can be downloaded at the site of MEITy of GOI