E-Waste and Metal Contamination in the Environment: Health Effects

Abstract

It is predicted that electronic waste (e-waste) derived principally from discarded electronic equipment will reach 74 million metric tonnes by 2030. In addition, urbanisation and industrialisation have contributed to metal contamination in the environment. E-waste is often deposed of in low-income countries adversely affecting the health of the working population. The main sources of e-contamination are soil, dust, and food matrices. Drinking water can also be contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) causing a major health concern. Exposure to pollutants present in waste is a common cause of kidney and other diseases primarily amongst children in developing countries. Sensitive monitoring procedures are needed to improve the rate of detection and monitoring of the possible adverse effects on the population exposed to significant quantities of e-waste.

Combined exposure to lead and microplastics increased risk of glucose metabolism in mice via the Nrf2/NF‐κB pathway

“…Pb is found in various sources such as insecticides, glass, paints, ceramics, water pipes, and historically in leaded gasoline 1 . By 2030, it is estimated that the global generation of electronic waste primarily originating from discarded electronic devices will reach a staggering 74 million metric tons 2 . Pb is an important component of electronic waste that can easily leach into groundwater and the ecosystems.…”