Electronic waste (E-waste) is growing fast worldwide. It comes from thrown-away electronics, home appliances, and industrial machines. Asia makes the most E-waste because it has a large population, whereas high-income countries lead in capita generation. E-waste contains hazardous heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, and As), persistent organic pollutants, and plastic additives, which leach into the air, soil, water, and food chains through inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, and environmental contamination. This is particularly prevalent in informal recycling sites that are common in low- and middle-income countries. Chronic exposure to these substances induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, resulting in neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease and neurodevelopmental delays in children), respiratory issues (COPD and asthma), cardiovascular diseases (hypertension and atherosclerosis), endocrine and reproductive hazards (infertility and PCOS), carcinogenicity (lung and liver cancers), and hematological abnormalities (anemia). Vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, informal workers, and nearby residents, are at increased risk due to underdeveloped detoxification systems and occupational exposure without protective equipment. Although numerous studies have examined specific toxicants or organ systems, current evidence on E-waste-related health outcomes remains fragmented across exposure pathways, target organs, and vulnerable populations, limiting a comprehensive understanding of its cumulative burden. This book chapter aims to review the chronic health risks associated with exposure to E-waste, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and informal workers. By integrating environmental contamination, occupational and community exposure, and long-term clinical outcomes within a single conceptual framework, this chapter provides a novel, multisystem perspective intended to support evidence-based policy-making, risk communication, and the design of sustainable E-waste management strategies. Globally, only 17.4% of electronic waste is formally recycled, intensifying the health burdens in developing countries that receive illegal exports. Mitigation necessitates circular economy strategies, such as sustainable design, extended producer responsibility (EPR), advanced recycling technologies (e.g., hydrometallurgy and automation), formalization of informal sectors, public awareness, and enforcement of the Basel Convention to limit transboundary trade. Urgent policy interventions, infrastructure development, and cross-sector programs are crucial for transitioning to sustainable management, thereby reducing the burden of chronic diseases and environmental injustices.

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Health Consequences of E-waste: From Circuit Boards to Chronic Disorders and a Need for Sustainable Management

  • Agustin Wulan Suci Dharmayanti,
  • Navneet Kumar Dubey

摘要

Electronic waste (E-waste) is growing fast worldwide. It comes from thrown-away electronics, home appliances, and industrial machines. Asia makes the most E-waste because it has a large population, whereas high-income countries lead in capita generation. E-waste contains hazardous heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, and As), persistent organic pollutants, and plastic additives, which leach into the air, soil, water, and food chains through inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, and environmental contamination. This is particularly prevalent in informal recycling sites that are common in low- and middle-income countries. Chronic exposure to these substances induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, resulting in neurological disorders (Parkinson’s disease and neurodevelopmental delays in children), respiratory issues (COPD and asthma), cardiovascular diseases (hypertension and atherosclerosis), endocrine and reproductive hazards (infertility and PCOS), carcinogenicity (lung and liver cancers), and hematological abnormalities (anemia). Vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, informal workers, and nearby residents, are at increased risk due to underdeveloped detoxification systems and occupational exposure without protective equipment. Although numerous studies have examined specific toxicants or organ systems, current evidence on E-waste-related health outcomes remains fragmented across exposure pathways, target organs, and vulnerable populations, limiting a comprehensive understanding of its cumulative burden. This book chapter aims to review the chronic health risks associated with exposure to E-waste, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and informal workers. By integrating environmental contamination, occupational and community exposure, and long-term clinical outcomes within a single conceptual framework, this chapter provides a novel, multisystem perspective intended to support evidence-based policy-making, risk communication, and the design of sustainable E-waste management strategies. Globally, only 17.4% of electronic waste is formally recycled, intensifying the health burdens in developing countries that receive illegal exports. Mitigation necessitates circular economy strategies, such as sustainable design, extended producer responsibility (EPR), advanced recycling technologies (e.g., hydrometallurgy and automation), formalization of informal sectors, public awareness, and enforcement of the Basel Convention to limit transboundary trade. Urgent policy interventions, infrastructure development, and cross-sector programs are crucial for transitioning to sustainable management, thereby reducing the burden of chronic diseases and environmental injustices.