Dumping of e-waste in developing nations harms their ecosystems

Due primarily to rapid socio-economic and technological advancement, the volume of electronic waste generated has been on the rise. TVs, computer monitors and electronic equipment are some common examples of e-waste.

What makes things worse is that so many people want to buy the latest model of their favourite brand of smartphone, which means old models become obsolete quickly and are discarded.

When individuals dispose of these devices, they probably do not think about where they might end up, but the volume of waste is staggering. A lot of it ends up in developing countries, based on the not-in-my-backyard mentality.

Although it may be tempting for governments to export e-waste to developing nations, they have to realise the detrimental effect it has on the environment in these countries.

Exporting e-waste is not a sustainable practice, as people in the countries it goes to end up suffering the fallout of a deteriorating environment and possible health problems.

E-waste contains a wide range of metals and toxic material, which are detrimental to health.

Pregnant women and mothers and their newborns face potential risks if they are exposed to this material.