E-WASTE: SOURCES, COMPOSITION AND IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENT & HUMAN HEALTH -A REVIEW
LEENA N. MESHRAM *
Mahatma Phule Arts, Science & Commerce College, Panvel, Dist.– Raigad, Navi Mumbai - 410206, India.
PRABHAKAR R. PAWAR
Mahatma Phule Arts, Science & Commerce College, Panvel, Dist.– Raigad, Navi Mumbai - 410206, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) has become an essential part of everyday life. Its availability and widespread use have enabled much of the global population to benefit from higher living standards. However, the way in which we produce, consume, and dispose of e-waste is unsustainable. Slow adoption of collection and recycling of e-waste results in consumption of resources, emission of greenhouse gases and release of toxic substances. This review focuses on e-waste with respect to: (1) definition, synonyms and factors responsible; (2) global scenario and status of e-waste in India; (3) sources and categories; (4) chemical composition; (5) impact caused by informal recycling on environment and human health and (6) sustainable management of e-waste. Results of the review reveal that reducing, reusing, refurbishing, recovering, recycling, developing policy recommendations and administer trainings for key stakeholder groups is the current solution to minimize the quantities and flows of e-waste.
Keywords: E-waste, environmental impact, health hazard, informal recycling, sustainable management