The E-Waste Crisis and its Impact on Health and Environment
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Pollution, Electronic Waste (e-waste), Persistent Organic Pollutants - POPs, Heavy Metals); Indian Polity and Governance (Key Legislations - E-Waste Rules, Principle of Extended Producer Responsibility - EPR); General Science (Health).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Health & Social Justice): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections (health and livelihood of informal workers).
General Studies Paper 3 (Environment & Economy): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Solid Waste Management. E-waste is a specific and important topic under this syllabus.
Key Highlights from the News
Electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming a major urban crisis in India.
India is the third largest producer of e-waste in the world.
More than 50% of India's e-waste is handled by the informal recycling sector, without any safety standards.
Major health impacts:
Separating metals with acid and burning wires release toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
This causes respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, skin diseases, and genetic defects.
Children are most adversely affected by this.
India has E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a key part of this. However, there are significant failures in its efficient implementation.
To address this crisis, a multi-pronged strategy is needed, including formalizing the informal sector, strictly enforcing laws, developing new technologies, and raising public awareness.
COMMENTS