WHO had raised several concerns regarding children health and injuries through e-waste. A recent study by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), revealed that over 35,000 to 45,000 child labourers aged between 10–14 works around the e-waste areas, and faces several injuries and deaths while dismantling the e-waste. There is a strong force from the chamber for effective legislation in preventing the poor children from such working areas. We are exhibiting a techno-aligned life and in doing so we are consciously or unconsciously impacting various other lives with an add-on evil for nature.
“Update: ZeroWaste is now InstaCash”
The hideous profile of India
- Delhi, itself produces roughly around 50,000 metric tons of e-waste. With a GDP growth of 7.5 percent, and a population of 125cr, India ranks high in terms of e-waste generation.
- The ASSOCHAM report highlights that as many as 8,500 mobile phones, 5,500 TVs and 3,000 personal computers are dismantled in the capital city, Delhi every day for reuse of their component parts and materials.
- The figure is booming with the advent of technology and new launches. Delhi has emerged as the main hub of e-waste recycling in the country with the e-waste from Mumbai, Bangalore and other cities reaching in there.
Their Health, Our Concern
The mounds of junk or e-waste has created as a great source for poor children to satiate their playful self by these e-gadgets which is a waste for riches but the only joyous element for them. The e-waste has certain toxic elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium which harms the health as well as injures the children. The dumping zone or the trash is accumulated in an open ground where they reach with their families to become prey of these fancy waste products. The exposure to these harmful by-products can lead to nausea, irritability, vomiting and several other ailments to a healthy person, then till what extent it can affect children?
Where are we heading?
The implementation of strong legislation for proper recycling and organized dumping is quite essential at this point of time. It apparently needs awareness and an eye-opener for those who dispose their old goods unethically. Children have a right to education, smile, play, joy, everything. They need to be protected from this misfortune. In this battle, one of the biggest wildcards can only be human behavior. If people are not convinced to participate in this race, even the best designed system will collapse. Therefore, we as humans need to practice our duties and establish a rigid structure of organized discarding.
Note: This post was originally published in June 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.