HEALTH
HEAVY METALS IN ELECTRONIC WASTE CAN HAVE SERIOUS IMPACTS ON THE HEALTH OF THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY
Heavy metals emitted during e-waste recycling, including lead, mercury, berylium, selenium, arsenic, and trichloroethylene (TCE), can have serious health effects on those ingesting them. Those exposed to these chemicals are disproportionately comprised of working class members tasked with processing e-waste without proper equipment or safety precautions.
Lead exposure can result in brain and nervous system damage, while selenium can lead to hair loss and nail brittleness
Berylium, arsenic, and mercury can cause lung cancer and chronic breathing difficulties, chronic coughing and chest pain.
Mercury and TCE can cause liver and kidney damage, and TCE alone may impact immune system functioning.
Cadmium can lead to breast cancer and endometrial cancer
Lead leads to an increased chance of stillbirth
Studies suggest that those exposed to burning e-waste suffer from a higher chance of testicular cancer
Toxic metal exposure may lead to digestive issues