No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
Managing Electronic Waste: Issues with Exporting E-Waste
... Although there have been some efforts in recycling of e-waste, developing nations have faced the challenge of limited technologies, and the tools and equipment required for e-waste recycling [22,53]. Most commonly, recycling efforts are implemented in an informal set up involving dismantling of the electronic gadgets and scavenging for precious components [52,95]. The process involves the use of crude tools and equipment in an open set up where associated toxic fumes that endanger the workers and the environment are emitted [21,94]. ...
... Harmful e-waste substances at both micro and macro levels can leach into the surrounding soil, water and air and adversely affect human health and the ecology [21,53]. The impacts can be extreme in developing countries where people engaged in informal recycling of e-waste live in proximity to dump sites or landfills of untreated e-waste and work without protection or safeguards [6,95]. Most workers engaged in these recycling operations are the urban poor, who are unaware of the hazards associated with their work (Asha, 2003). ...
The production of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that include computers, mobile phones, modems, printers, refrigerators, and air conditioning units has been growing rapidly stimulated by technological advances, increased product affordability, and short product lifespans. However, this growth has not been matched by recognition of the dangers to health and the environment from disposal of the waste EEE (e-waste) especially in developing countries. Globally, the annual generation of e-waste is in the range 20 - 50 million metric tons, which, following the current trend can increase to over 120 million metric tons by year 2050. This paper reviews the nature, complexity and health and environmental impacts of the e-waste, its global scale, and the alternative technologies for its management. However, the focus is on developing countries, which import disproportionately large quantities of used and obsolete EEE for reuse and recycling but lack effective legislation, skills
and infrastructure for management of the waste. As a result, e-waste handlers and recyclers use crude methods for recycling oblivious of the inherent dangers of heavy metals and organic substances in the waste. While the exporting of EEE to developing countries for reuse extends their useful life, informal recycling and final disposal through open dumping, burning and burial poses danger to human health and the environment. Electronic products contain many materials requiring special end-of-life handling; mainly, lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and plastics that are capable of releasing, dioxins and furans among other compounds. Consequently, successful management of the e-waste in the developing countries will require institution of guiding framework for end of life management such as the extended producer responsibility, and product take back. Ultimately, the key to successful e-waste management is the development of formal recycling facilities. Centralized collection
points where economies of scale will attract investment for facilities for dismantling and disassembling of component for recycling and for disposal of toxic components are recommended.
Keywords: E-waste; Developing countries; Recycling; Health; Environment
... Though the United States did not ratify the Basel Convention, there are over 25 U.S. state regulations that have been modeled after EU e-waste regulations (Kahhat et al. 2008;Lepawsky 2012;Luther 2010). In addition to U.S. state regulations, the R2 Certification, is an industry-led response meant to replace U.S. federal efforts that limits the pool of recyclable materials to electronic devices that no longer function. ...
... Thus, the confusion among people is not unreasonable or even surprising. Indeed, this position mirrors the problems, complexities, and various state laws and costs associated with hazardous waste recycling in the U.S. (Kang and Schoenung 2005;Luther 2010). The implications of such confusion would be to streamline the process by making it easier to understand how to recycle e-waste, perhaps by taking the "Gelbe Sack" approach. ...
Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing form of waste worldwide, associated with a range of environmental, health, and justice problems. Unfortunately, disposal and recycling are hindered by a tendency of consumers to resist recycling their e-waste. This backlog of un-discarded e-waste poses significant challenges for the future. This paper addresses the reasons why many people might continue to value their technological artifacts and therefore to hoard them, suggesting that many of these common explanations are deficient in some way. It argues instead for a derivative kind of value, here labelled “system value”. Addressing the problem of hoarding by invoking the idea of system value, the authors conjecture, could offer some clarity about how to move forward with more successful e-waste management programs.
... With the way that products are continually invented and updated, the life of old handsets is increasingly shorter and the waste problem gets bigger (Lundgren, 2012;Morgan, 2009). Ewaste-considered by many as junk-is a term used loosely to refer to obsolete electronic devices, broken or irreparable, such as televisions, computers, central processing units (CPUs), computer monitors screen (cathode ray tubes and flat screens), laptops, printers, scanners, and all associated wiring (Luther, 2010). It contains chemicals and metals that are harmful to human health and its volume is increasing three times more rapidly than other types of municipal waste (Leonard, 2010). ...
... According to Leonard (2010), only 12.5% of e-waste produced in the United States is collected for recycling, and of this percentage, approximately 80% is sent for disposal in developing countries. Furthermore, according to Luther (2010), there is little information available on the total amount of electronic products exported to developing countries for legitimate reuse. ...
... E-waste refers to obsolete, broken, electronic devices like tv, cpu, computer monitors, laptops, printers, scanners, and wiring. E-waste has become a concern due to the high volumes in which it is generated, the hazardous constituents it often contains (such as lead, mercury, and chromium), and lack of regulations applicable to its disposal or recycling [1][2]. ...
The study explores the innovative creation of a household multi-functional device (MFD) by repurposing e-waste components. This MFD prototype integrates the functions of a rice cooker, LCD TV, DVD player, amplifier, and electric fan, utilizing both AC and DC power, with alternative energy inputs from solar panels, hand-cranked generators, and rechargeable batteries. Through a structured development approach involving design, procurement, repair, and testing stages, the study demonstrates how e-waste can be effectively transformed into valuable, multifunctional household technology, thereby reducing environmental impacts. This research also evaluates the MFD's acceptability based on functionality, economy, maintainability, and safety, as assessed by different experts in the field. All groups rated the device highly, confirming its utility (with an overall functionality mean score of 3.79 out of 4), cost-effectiveness (with an overall mean of 3.89 out of 4), maintainability (with an overall mean score of 3.81 out of 4), and safety in diverse conditions, especially during power outages (with an overall mean score of 3.87 out of 4). Statistical analyses indicate no significant differences in assessment scores across respondent groups, underscoring the device's broad appeal. This research provides a model for addressing e-waste through creative reuse, offering environmental benefits and potential market applications.
... Electronic waste, also referred to as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), encompasses electrical or electronic equipment that has been discarded as it is no longer functional or needed by the end-users (Miner et al., 2020). Thus, E-waste is a term that is used loosely to refer to obsolete, broken, or irreparable electronic devices like televisions, computer Central Processing Units (CPUs), computer monitors (flat screen and cathode ray tubes), laptops, printers, scanners, and associated wiring (Luther, 2010). A more technical definition of e-waste is any obsolete or discarded products that have their primary functions provided by electronic circuitry and components (Sivakumar et al., 2012). ...
... As an increasing number of people consume and use electronic devices, the amount of electronic waste (e-waste) is also increasing. Notably, e-waste consists of electronic products that are discarded by their owners but are not broken or unavailable (European Union, 2002;Luther, 2010;United Nations Environment Program, 2007). Waste electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) refers to devices that cannot be used as EEE. ...
The majority of e-waste is transported from developed to developing countries and there is no appropriate e-waste treatment technology in some developing countries. Ghana is suffering from serious e-waste environmental pollution. Currently, Agbogbloshie (Ghana) treat incoming e-waste in hand, harming the workers’ health. Therefore, we proposed the “e-waste management process for Ghana (EWMP-G).” First, we carried out a literature survey, to identify the current status of the problem and investigate the available technologies. Additionally, we categorized the discarding stage of the life cycle assessment into three steps: 1) sorting, 2) Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), and 3) incineration. Second, personal computers, refrigerators, and mobile phones, considered high-ranking e-waste entering Ghana, were selected as the samples. We prepared an e-waste dismantling and sorting guidebook, to ensure the workers’ safety. For RDF processing, we applied “shredding” and “pelletizing,” and for incineration, we selected a stoker-type incinerator. RDF and stocker incineration can remove the plastic from e-waste in Ghana in approximately 4.65 years and 0.264 months each. Based on the cost-benefit analysis, the EWMP-G could result in a surplus and manage the e-waste in Ghana within 4.65 years of EWMP-G.
... Electronic waste (e-waste) is disused electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) which have reached the end of its useful life and does not any longer serve its intended design purpose [1]. This includes computers, communication, audio-visual, radio and television, household electrical appliances, instruments, measuring and monitoring, and electric tools and devices. ...
... The e-waste concernwith approximately 40 million metric tons annuallyhas prompted strict environmental and sustainability regulations (Jermsittiparsert et al., 2019). US regulations are modeled after EU e-waste regulations such as the E-Steward Standard and EPEAT (Luther, 2010). EPEAT provides an environmental assessment tool for IT (Mihai et al., 2019). ...
Purpose
The authors explore the impact of an emerging technology, blockchain technology, on diverse governance mechanisms and sustainable supply chain practices and how its relationships with the linkage of these elements.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology incorporates a literature review and a qualitative empirical analysis of the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standards. Expert opinions from various firms and organizations within the electronics sector are assessed. Through a thematic analysis, the relationships are identified and examined.
Findings
Data immutability, transparency and traceability capabilities of blockchain technology enhance the relationship between environmental standards and ecological supply chain sustainability practices. Although immature, the blockchain can influence the governance of supply chain sustainability practices. Immaturity of technology, lack of expertise, sharing information and trust have delayed adoption.
Originality/value
There is limited empirical evidence regarding blockchain's impact on governance mechanisms, specifically hybrid public-private mechanisms and sustainable supply chain practices. The study further evaluates how particular blockchain features may exert varying influences on these aspects and different sustainable supply chain traits. As an exploratory study, it proposes new areas for further research, including how blockchain's traceability function can improve sustainability standard adoption. Additionally, there is a call for integrating blockchain with technologies like IoT and sensors which may influence supply chain governance mechanisms, standards and sustainability practices.
... il 70% dei rifiuti elettrici ed elettronici globali finisce in Cina e che la restante parte finisce in India e nei paesi africani. In molti casi la cessione di prodotti elettronici viene mascherata come donazione dei paesi avanzati in favore di quelli più poveri (Hull 2010;Luther 2010). ...
This paper is devoted to the electronic waste and the digital pollution topic. Firstly, concerning the e-waste, we are going to see its origin, the directions of its disposal, and if there is any possibility of recovery. Secondly, we are going to see the digital pollution. The data exchanged in internet leave a footprint not only in terms of Big Data but also in terms of the CO2 emissions. Millions of physical servers in data centers around the world, are connected with miles of undersea cables, and with switches and routers. All of them require a lot of energy to run. Finally, we will examine what measures governments can promote to manage the digital and ecological transitions. The challenge is to implement the digitalization process in the sense of sustainability according to the EU economic and social policies.
... " [24]. As easily as the thing in focus may be definable as "broken down electronic devices that are no longer useful for the purposes they were intended for" [2], as quickly perspectives and defining assessments diverge from there [35]. Some are differentiating the device itself and power cables, sub-assemblages, raw materials and substances, others are differentiating broken devices and such items that are still functioning but have been discarded by their owners nonetheless [20]. ...
This paper focuses on tools to approach the practices inherent to the formal and informal e-waste value-chains in Ghana. Our series of field trips and interviews with e-waste collectors and scrap workers, repairers and retailers at their respective workplaces, as well as with domestic electronics users captured a situation in flux, where local authorities had implemented their decision to demolish the Agbogbloshie scrapyard site in Accra in July 2021 and relocate the workplaces within the city. In this situation, our exploratory perspective on tools and practices serves as a lense to identify possibilities of socio-technical support for repairing and upcycling and related community building.
... This discrepancy can be partially explained by the cross incentives of corporations wishing to perform sustainability to meet CSR expectations and public demands, while not disrupting a working recipe driving a bottom line relying on ever-increasing annual sales. This suggests governments must relocate incentives for innovation away from incremental features on existing technologies, and towards solving global wicked problems, like the zombie afterlife of electronics (Luther, 2010). ...
Planned obsolescence is the practice of deliberately designing products to limit their life span to encourage replacement. It is a common business strategy for consumer goods, with far-reaching ecological and social consequences. Here, we examine the definition, causes and consequences of planned obsolescence by using insights from corporate crime literature, integrated with environmental philosophy, management sciences, technology studies and law. Focusing on cases of planned obsolescence in consumer electronics, we show that the concept and procedure carries conceptual ambiguity and moral ambivalence, bearing diffuse harms, benefitting short-term corporate profit but undermining consumer confidence, and posing a major barrier to environmental sustainability. We discuss the system lock-ins driving companies to engage in planned obsolescence, and reframe the practice as a form of corporate environmental crime.
... Therefore, it needs an external light source to form the image. In these displays, the cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) or LED lamp produces pure white backlight behind the displays that these lamps contain significant amounts of mercury (Luther 2010). The standard deviation (SD) of the metal concentration in the studied dusts decreased with the decreasing trend of Cr < Cu < Pb < Cd < Hg. ...
Dust is an important factor to indoor pollution that contains suspended particles and heavy metals. Since today, use of computer has become an essential part of human life. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the amount of heavy metals deposited on CRTs and LCDs and their risk assessment. Ten dust samples for each type of monitor were collected from CRT and LCD screens in accordance with the standard OSHA ID-125 and ID-206, wet filter wipe method. Concentrations of Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, and Cu were measured by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer. Exposure and risk assessment of these elements were estimated using USEPA’s exposure parameters. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the dust on CRTs (0.82 mg/kg) were higher than LCD screens (0.69 mg/kg). Cr with 62.824% and Hg with 0.849% had the highest and lowest average concentration in both types of monitors. The non-carcinogenic risk and carcinogenicity indexes of CRT monitors were 0.0009, and 3.94 × 10−11 and for LCD monitors were 0.0008 and 2.94 × 10−11. In both monitors, ingestion is the main route to exposure with heavy metals. The average concentration of heavy metals in CRT dust. HI values for studied metals in dust of CRTs and LCDs were less than safe limit of 1. Because RI < 10−4, cancer risk of studied elements in dust can be ignored.
... A research by Widmer et al., (Widmer et al. 2005) regarded e-waste as comparatively expensive and considerably (substantially) persistent products applied for telecommunications or enjoyment and data processing in personal businesses and households. Luther (Luther 2010) described e-waste as an expression utilizable loosely for antiquated, smashed, or incurable electronic equipment. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (UNEP 2007) indicates that description given in EU WEEE guidance for e-waste is broadly received by many countries. ...
In transitioning to a circular economy with sustainable waste management, the role of waste management sector shifts from being a regulator to being a facilitator. Instead of just regulating waste flows, the sector tries to encourage businesses to address all aspects of circular economy sustainability in a more efficient manner. The sustainability assessment in the sector lacks a hybrid method to aggregate the sustainability dimensions of circular economy strategies into a single summary indicator. This process is a multiple-criteria decision-making problem that requires the integration of circular economy strategies to form the sustainability indices. In order to make the right choices here, this study proposes a fuzzy three-phase group multiple-criteria decision-making approach. This approach integrates fuzzy analytic network process (fuzzy ANP), fuzzy decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) and fuzzy multi-objective optimization on the basis of ration analysis (fuzzy MULTIMOORA). In addition, a proposed aggregate circular economy-based sustainability index is applied to calculate the closeness of the outcomes of the hybrid method to the ideal strategies. The performance of the method is evaluated in the real-world cases concerning the selection of the most suitable circular economy strategies for a sustainable waste electrical and electronic equipment management practice.
... A research by Widmer et al., (Widmer et al. 2005) regarded e-waste as comparatively expensive and considerably (substantially) persistent products applied for telecommunications or enjoyment and data processing in personal businesses and households. Luther (Luther 2010) described e-waste as an expression utilizable loosely for antiquated, smashed, or incurable electronic equipment. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) (UNEP 2007) indicates that description given in EU WEEE guidance for e-waste is broadly received by many countries. ...
In transitioning to a circular economy with sustainable waste management, the role of waste management sector shifts from being a regulator to being a facilitator. Instead of just regulating waste flows, the sector tries to encourage businesses to address all aspects of circular economy sustainability in a more efficient manner. The sustainability assessment in the sector lacks a hybrid method to aggregate the sustainability dimensions of circular economy strategies into a single summary indicator. This process is a multiple-criteria decision-making problem that requires the integration of circular economy strategies to form the sustainability indices. In order to make the right choices here, this study proposes a fuzzy three-phase group multiple-criteria decision-making approach. This approach integrates fuzzy analytic network process (fuzzy ANP), fuzzy decision-making trail and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) and fuzzy multi-objective optimization on the basis of ration analysis (fuzzy MULTIMOORA). In addition, a proposed aggregate circular economy-based sustainability index is applied to calculate the closeness of the outcomes of the hybrid method to the ideal strategies. The performance of the method is evaluated in the real-world cases concerning the selection of the most suitable circular economy strategies for a sustainable waste electrical and electronic equipment management practice.
Graphical abstract
... A microwave oven is made up of materials such as plastic, glass, and metals. The electronic boards contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, making them the components with the most difficult destination in this product, having to be sent abroad (Luther 2009). PCBs are composed of several layers of silicon and glass fibres interposed by copper and other metals. ...
The relentless pursuit of lower production costs causes companies to invest in more efficient production systems so that they can remain economically competitive, while the actions focusing on more sustainable operations from an environmental point of view are usually performed to meet the political government regulating environmental control. However, it is common for companies to focus their efforts to minimize the environmental impacts at an early stage of the product life cycle, neglecting sustainability management in the post-use phase. Given the context, this study seeks to develop sustainability indicators that can be used by the electronics industry to assess the level of practice and performance during production that are related to product recovery after the use phase, in order to better understand how companies are acting to reduce the environmental impacts of their products at the end of their life cycle. Initially, critical success factors related to environmental management of the product’s end-of-life are obtained. Then, some of those critical success factors are prioritized, giving rise to the indicators of sustainability used in the benchmarking method. Benchmarking was performed in electronics Brazilian companies, and the data was obtained by means of a questionnaire and interviews. It is concluded from the results that the proposed indicators are suitable for measuring the levels of practices and performance of the participant companies in environmental management at the end of the product life cycle as the indicators were able to portray faithfully the reality of each company.
Graphic abstract
Practices and performances in the studied Brazilian companies
... Electronic waste (e-waste) refers to broken down electronic devices that are no longer useful for the purposes they were intended for (Luther, 2009). The definition includes Electrical or Electronic Equipment's (EEE) that use electric power but have reached their end-of-life. ...
The study investigated why sustainable technologies are not used to collect, dismantle and sell e-waste at Agbogbloshie given the risk of injury and extensive environmental pollution associated with handling of electronic waste. The study objectives were to examine the nature of technologies adopted to manage e-waste, assess challenges faced in adopting sustainable technologies; determine the missing links between formal and informal e-waste workers. Research questions were; what is the current level of technology adopted to manage e-waste and challenges limiting the adoption of sustainable technologies; and what are the missing links between the formal and informal sectors that limit adoption of sustainable e-waste management strategies. Data collection involved use of questionnaire to gather data on technologies used for e-waste management, challenges faced in using such technologies and what the workers consider as solutions to sustainable e-waste management. Field observations helped to explain waste management operations and questionnaire responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Study results show most of the e-waste workers are youthful and not much educated. The use of unsustainable technologies to manage e-waste has contributed to physical injuries to workers and pollution of the environment. A major challenge limiting the use of sustainable technologies is lack of financial resources to acquire modern equipment despite the laborious nature of the work. The paper concludes that sustainable solutions to electronic waste management requires support from government to subsidize the cost of sustainable technologies in e-waste management.
... This unprecedented increase in the production and consumption of electronic equipment has consequently led to the creation and accumulation of a new type of waste known as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), commonly known as electronic waste or e-waste. E-waste is a term that is used slackly to refer to outdated, broken, or non-functional electronic devices like television sets, central processing units of computers (CPU), monitors (flat screen and cathode ray tubes), laptops, printers, scanners and the like (Bhuie et al., 2004;Cairns, 2005;Ramzy et al., 2008;E-waste guide, 2010;Zhang, 2009;Bandyopadhyay, 2010;Kalana, 2010;Luther, 2010;Asiimwe and Ake, 2013;Namias, 2013;Qu et al., 2013;Singh et al., 2013;Sivaramanan, 2013;Sthiannopkao and Wong, 2013;Banar et al., 2014;Jhariya et al., 2014;Rudăreanu, 2014;StEP, 2014;Managing e-waste in Victoria, 2015;Tyagi et al., 2015). ...
Electronic waste generation level and characteristics in the City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abenezer Wakuma Kitila; Solomon Mulugeta Woldemikael
International Journal of Environmental Engineering (IJEE), Vol. 10, No. 2, 2019
Abstract: This study examined the e-waste generation level and characteristics in the city of Addis Ababa the case of households, educational institutions, and government sector offices. The findings revealed that the households have generated substantial number of e-waste (non-functional = 4,010, obsolete = 2,077, and broken = 1,856). Similarly, the educational institutions and government sector offices generated about 11,153 non-functional, 15,911 obsolete, and 11,360 broken e-waste. The study found that household income has significantly affected the e-waste generation level while the family size, gender, and education level were insignificant. It appears that the changes in the lifestyle escorted by scale economies, a switch to modern technology, and rapid obsolescence rate considerably encourages the recurring purchase of electronic equipment. The study has identified electronic equipment with a longer and shorter lifespan. The prolonged storing of e-waste is caused by lack of e-waste policy, absence of proper management methods, and the absence of recycling centers in the city.
Online publication date: Tue, 17-Sep-2019
... Recycling has been described as the best remedy to the growing electronic waste problems as it recovers metals for future use and conserves natural resources when these metals are reused. It also reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the manufacturing of new products (Linda, 2010). ...
Technological advancement and increased awareness on the importance of information technology have caused enormous generation of electronic wastes throughout the world. This has been prominent particularly in developing countries where the importation of used electronic gadgets is on the increase in recent times without proper methods of recycling. These wastes contain toxic metals such as cadmium, arsenic, antimony, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, beryllium and brominated flame retardants which pose threats to health and environment. The effects of these recalcitrant metals on the brain, kidney, respiratory tracts and skin of adults and children are of major concern .While plants and microorganisms are employed in controlling the menace of electronic wastes, governments should promulgate laws, create public awareness, privatize wastes management and import proper waste recycling technologies into developing countries where electronic wastes are enormous. Electronic companies also have to minimize hazardous wastes by making portable products that use minimum amounts of these toxic metals or completely use their alternatives which are of less toxic nature than these heavy metals and retardants.
... Then again, it is disposed of electronic gear that is bound for recovery, reusing or transfer. All the more expressly, practically every utilized electronic things are considered as e-waste, for example, disposed of cell phones, cameras, Compact disc players, radios, TVs, fax machines, drillers, scanners, toners, printers, ink cartridges, re-chargeable batteries, batteries, advanced mini-computers and tickers, CRT screens, electric fastens, PC mother sheets, console, mechanical and house hold electronic hardware, for example, stove, ice chest, sewing& clothes washers, fan, aeration and cooling system, processor, press, warmer, military and lab electronic gear's (Bhuie et al., 2004;Cairns, 2005;Ramzy et al., 2008;Wolski, 2008;E-waste guide, 2016;Zhang, 2009;Bandyopadhyay, 2010;Kalana, 2010;Luther, 2010;Geethan et al., 2012;Asiimwe and Ake, 2013;Borthakur and Sinha, 2013;Namias, 2013;Qiu, 2005;Singh et al., 2013;Sivaramanan, 2013;Sthiannopkao and Wong 2013;Banar et al., 2014;Jhariya et al., 2014;Rudȃreanu, 2014;StEP, 2014;Managing e-waste in Victoria, 2015;Tyagi et al., 2015). ...
E-waste management is a challenging task not only due to its rapidly growing volume but more staggeringly because of its hazardous nature. This study examined the waste electrical and electronic equipment management in the educational institutions and governmental sector offices of Addis Ababa. Through purposive sampling method, the study involves 72 sample respondents from General Service Department office and 6 higher governmental officials. The study realized the purchase of both used and working electronic equipment. The major causes of e-waste generation are rapid obsolescence rate and breakage of electronic equipment. The X² test result (13.066, p =.042) was statistically significant in terms of the causes of electronic waste among the selected offices. The rapid technological advancements, reduce in the performances of electronic equipment, poor utilizations and handlings brought the generation of obsolete and broken e-waste. The most common e-waste disposal method was storing. Hence, 81.7% of e-waste are simply stored. Other e-waste disposal methods such as reusing, refurbishing and recycling activities were flimsy. The absence of recycling possibilities and lack of awareness about the possibilities and values of recycling e-waste were some of the hindering factors. The administrative, economic and socio-cultural related factors challenging e-waste management. What is more, there were absence of e-waste legislation, shortages of storage facilities, absence of recycling and refurbishing centres. Therefore, the study proposes a workable e-waste management model and theory. Hence, Extended Producer Responsibility Model and Actor Network theory might be adopted and practiced within the realities of today's Addis Ababa.
... Situation in the United States are also worsening, the number of obsolete products stored or discarded is currently growing at frightening ratio. Out of the 3 million WEEE products that is currently owned in America, only 18% were recycled while the rest 82% were disposed in landfills or transported / exported to developing countries [19,20]. Reports by Basel Action Network [21] shows second hand electronic equipments especially computer's accessories are widely trade in Asian and African countries, the report further indicates that the graph of export of disposal electronic equipments from developed countries towards developing countries is rising exponentially [22]. ...
... It has been projected that by 2030, the number of obsolete computers (with monitors) from developing countries will reach 400 -700 million units while 200 -300 million units is expected to become obsolete in the developed regions (Yu et al. 2010). The relatively high cost of domestic recycling, lack of barriers to export on CRTs in many developed countries, and the high demand for used CRTs in many developing/less-developed countries will continue to facilitate illegal export of this waste (Luther, 2010). In Nigeria for instance, it is documented that about 400,000 units of secondhand desktop computers or monitors are imported every month and estimates have suggested that an average of 2.4 million units of computer monitor are imported annually (Nnorom et al. 2011). ...
Rapid increase in the use of flat screen image display devices in recent times has led to the replacement of cathode ray tube (CRT) image display devices. The environmental problems arising from CRT disposal is primarily due to the glass' high lead content. With landfilling being non-environmentally friendly, there is need to develop sustainable management methods. This study therefore investigated the incorporation of finely ground (< 0.6 mm) mixture of panel, funnel and neck CRT glass in concrete at 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% wt/wt replacement for sand, from where an optimum composition was obtained. The workability, compressive strength, elemental composition and lead leaching behaviour of concrete specimens were studied. The test results indicated that the workability of fresh concrete was negatively affected with increasing glass content. The compressive strength at 20% replacement level (29.4 MPa) was higher than the reference (20.3 MPa) by 44.8% after curing for 90 days. It was observed that lead concentration increased with increasing glass content but calcium decreased proportionally while lead leachability was within regulatory limits. This investigation thus revealed that finely ground CRT glass at 20% wt/wt replacement possesses the potential to be used in concrete as a partial replacement for fine aggregate.
... The rapid proliferation of personal electronics and demands for the latest electronic gadgets accelerate the rate of obsolescence and expand volumes of electronic waste (25 × 10 6 ton year −1 ), [1] which posts severe threat to the environment and the ecosystem. [2][3][4] As a result, bioresorbable electronics (or transient electronics), which dissolve in the water, can be game-change solutions to address these pressing environmental issues in the future. [5][6][7] Fully resorbable electronic devices based on bioresorbable polymer substrates [5] and multilayer bioresorbable printed circuit boards (PCB) [8] have been recently developed. ...
Currently, bioresorbable electronic devices are predominantly fabricated by complex and expensive vacuum-based integrated circuit (IC) processes. Here, a low-cost manufacturing approach for bioresorbable conductors on bioresorbable polymer substrates by evaporation–condensation-mediated laser printing and sintering of Zn nanoparticle is reported. Laser sintering of Zn nanoparticles has been technically difficult due to the surface oxide on nanoparticles. To circumvent the surface oxide, a novel approach is discovered to print and sinter Zn nanoparticle facilitated by evaporation–condensation in confined domains. The printing process can be performed on low-temperature substrates in ambient environment allowing easy integration on a roll-to-roll platform for economical manufacturing of bioresorbable electronics. The fabricated Zn conductors show excellent electrical conductivity (≈1.124 × 106 S m−1), mechanical durability, and water dissolvability. Successful demonstration of strain gauges confirms the potential application in various environmentally friendly sensors and circuits.
... National Geographic, Scientific American)[cited in 40], environmental organization (e.g., Green peace [16], and researchers [26] have found primitive waste management practices in India and various countries in Africa and Asia. Existing e-waste recycling operations in Guiyu have gained a particular attention [40]. In the United States under most circumstances, e-waste can legally be disposed-off in a municipal solid waste landfill or recycled with little environmental regulatory requirements. ...
During recent year’s accelerated global rise in Waste of Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and its indiscriminate disposal is becoming a foremost concern for human health and ecosystem services. With the rise in concerns on e-waste management and disposals practices, there are attempts to hold back e-waste generation and processing by a variety of regulatory instrument. Realistically there are substantial deficiencies in regulatory initiatives on worldwide trade, unlawful trafficking and improper handling of e-wastes. Currently, the center of attention on recent studies is primarily focusing on linkages of improper handling and consequent health effects on workers in the developing countries. Several studies emphasized on public health problems and reduced ecosystem services. An imminent concern of global calamity is expected, unless appropriate measures are not placed immediately into actions. These concerns demand a need to re-review the facts from recent research studies and suggest effective plans for collection, handling, disposal and remedy of e-wastes. An across-the-board review of available research and policy strategy is necessary to find a sustainable solution dealing with the global trafficking and trade of e-wastes.
... Most of the e-waste is exported to developing countries, where it is hidden under the umbrella of charity: "computers for the poor" and the like (Hull, 2010;Luther, 2010). Interestingly, 70% of global ewaste is dumped in China, with most of the rest going to India and to African nations (Liu et al., 2006). ...
The world today has been witnessing phenomenal outgrowth in all fields during the past few decades. This augmentation has been largely stimulated by information and communication technologies (ICT). However, the inexorable evolution of technology and global economic development are being pursued at an ever-increasing societal cost with a snowballing potentially negative impact on the environment. Hence, one of the important challenges modern society faces is sustainability. This article attempts to explore the existing body of knowledge to provide a better understanding of the impact of ICT and digital revolutions on global carbon footprint and emissions. It also attempts to explore the presence of environmental sustainability initiatives in e-government programs worldwide. It presents some thoughts about how governments may address sustainability requirements in their e-government programs and enact responsible ICT-enabled transformation
... There is no official logistic provider who specializes in e-waste collection. Globally, recycling practices that extend the producer's responsibility throughout the entire life cycle of the product chain, from production through to end-of-life management of e-waste, have been successfully implemented (Luther, 2010). Recently, increasing attention has been focused on the introduction of innovative technologies and improvement of the status of informal sector. ...
The management of waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) is a major challenge in developing and transition countries. The paper investigates recent strategies to manage this waste stream in an environmentally sound way. Obsolete electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are a complex waste category containing both hazardous and valuable substances. Many countries and regions in the world are undertaking extensive scientific research to plan and develop effective collection and treatment systems for end-of-life EEE. In developing countries such as Botswana, effective strategies that cover all stages throughout the lifecycle of products, particularly at the end-of-life, still lag behind. Infrastructure, pre-processing, and end-processing facilities and innovative technologies for end-of-life management of e-waste are noticeably absent due to lack of investment and high costs of its management. The objective of the paper is to present the e-waste situation in Botswana, highlighting (a) measures taken in the form of legislative and policy regulations; (b) existing practices to manage e-waste; and (c) effective solutions for e-waste management in emerging economies. Studies from other countries on e-waste management issues provided insights on the "best" technical and logistical pre-processing and end-processing strategies to treat hazardous waste. The paper also highlights key societal factors that affect successful implementation of cost-effective collection and value recovery of end-of-life EEE. These include unavailability of national "e-waste policy," absence of formal take-back system, absence of financing and subsidies, inadequate source separation programmes, absence of technical and logistical integration of pre-processing and end-processing facilities, and limited infrastructure and access to technologies and investment. Effective strategies such as an "integrated approach" (mixed options), access to technologies, establishment of pre-processing and end-processing facilities and optimization of logistics, optimizing diversion of e-waste from disposal sites, and investment in e-waste are suggested to manage this complex waste stream in an environmentally sound way.
E-waste management has become a major challenge due to limited infrastructure, innovative technologies, and investment, no comprehensive system of monitoring either its generation or its movement and no coordinated strategic framework of actions to deal with e-waste economically and in a sustainable manner. For better management of EEE at their end-of-life, sustainable and specific practical policies, rules and regulation should be established and applied to all levels of e-waste management, particularly at the post-consumption stage. This paper reviews the current situation of e-waste management in Botswana, with a view towards formulating an effective regulatory and sound waste management strategy as well as the promotion of incentives and environmental sustainability.
... A study by Widmer et al. (2005) considered electronic waste as relatively expensive and essentially durable products used for data processing, telecommunications or entertainment in private households and businesses. Luther (2009) defined electronic waste as a term used loosely for obsolete, broken or irreparable electronic devices. A study by UNEP (2007a) reveals that definition given in EU WEEE directive (2002cited UNEP, 2007a for electronic waste is widely accepted by many countries. ...
Waste is one of the most pressing problems faced by the whole world. Electronic waste is the latest in the Sri Lankan waste stream. Literature revealed many electronic waste management concepts, strategies and models implemented worldwide to counter the electronic waste menace, inclusive of electronic waste management policy developed in Sri Lanka to manage electronic waste generation. The purpose of this paper is to explore probable suggestions to improve existing electronic waste management practices, with special emphasis on enhancement of national policy of electronic waste management in Sri Lanka.
... The treatment of e-waste in the destination countries lies far below standards. Practices like incineration in open area, disposal near poor populations and landfilling are widely used [18]. This leads to dangerous pollution that contaminates the environment and poses serious health problems for the population. ...
Regional and international environmental conferences such as Kyoto and Copenhagen show a growing interest in preserving the environment and addressing major ecological issues, namely climate change and biodiversity. Businesses nowadays are aware that sustainable development is crucial. Social and environmental aspects together with economic performance should be considered The Information Technology (IT) field has recently embraced the principle of sustainability. Green Information Technology (Green-IT) is the term used for green practices aimed at reducing the impact the IT has on the environment. This paper has two main objectives. The first one is to offer an understanding of Green-IT. Initially, I will give a theoretical definition of Green-IT as well as an explanation of ecological issues related to IT use, mainly energy consumption, use of toxic substances and e-waste management. I will then present a review of some important Green-IT actions in developed countries. The second objective consists of shedding light on the importance of Green-IT adoption for developing countries and giving an example of the practice of Green-IT in Morocco.
... While the lack of a national program is a barrier to increased national e-waste recycling and reuse (Kahhat et al., 2008), the absence of such a program has allowed states to take the lead in adopting laws and policies to increase the diversion from disposal. Currently 23 states and New York City have developed various approaches, resulting in a patchwork of programs (Luther, 2010). Most of these programs prohibit the disposal of electronic devices. ...
In the US, household electronic waste collected for recycling is primarily by voluntary drop-off at designated collection facilities. This study examines the influence of specific collection facility attributes (recycling fees charged, number of days open, and driving distance) on the household collection rate of e-waste in the US state of Maine. Data were collected for household computer monitor and television collection for 92 municipal waste transfer facilities representing 30% of the state's population for one year. Results suggest that recycling fees are negatively correlated with the number of televisions and computer monitors collected; furthermore, the more frequently facilities were open, the more televisions and computer monitors were collected per capita. The distance from the facility had no correlation, which prompted an analysis of whether the existence of a curbside collection system in the municipality was influential. Results show a negative correlation between computer monitor and television collection and a municipality having recycling (but not e-waste) curbside collection. Based on the results of this study, policymakers may be able to increase the collection rate of household e-waste by eliminating or lowering recycling fees, expanding collection days and hours to increase convenience, and/or considering curbside collection of e-waste.Highlights► Data on the collection rates of televisions and computer monitors in Maine, USA are analyzed. ► Recycling fees are negatively correlated with the amount of e-waste collected. ► The more frequently e-waste collection facilities were open, the higher the e-waste collection rate. ► Policy-makers may be able to increase e-waste collection by increasing convenience of e-waste drop-off.
... The evidence of harmful impact is clear when WEEE is managed through techniques such as open burning or melting, unprotected manual separation, uncontrolled acid treatment, and open dumping. 73 The body of literature documenting this evidence is presented in the following subsection. ...
Issues surrounding the impact and management of discarded or waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) have received increasing attention in recent years. This attention stems from the growing quantity and diversity of electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) used by modern society, the increasingly rapid turnover of EEE with the accompanying burden on the waste stream, and the occurrence of toxic chemicals in many EEE components that can pose a risk to human and environmental health if improperly managed. In addition, public awareness of the WEEE or "e-waste" dilemma has grown in light of popular press features on events such as the transition to digital television and the exportation of WEEE from the United States and other developed countries to Africa, China, and India, where WEEE has often not been managed in a safe manner (e.g., processed with proper safety precautions, disposed of in a sanitary landfill, combusted with proper air quality procedures). This paper critically reviews current published information on the subject of WEEE. The definition, magnitude, and characteristics of this waste stream are summarized, including a detailed review of the chemicals of concern associated with different components and how this has changed and continues to evolve over time. Current and evolving management practices are described (e.g., reuse, recycling, incineration, landfilling). This review discusses the role of regulation and policies developed by governments, institutions, and product manufacturers and how these initiatives are shaping current and future management practices.
This study investigated concentrations and spatial distributions of four heavy metals: Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), and Lead (Pb) in the soil and drainage systems resulting from informal e-waste recycling at Ashaiman, a town in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Twenty-four soil samples were randomly taken from two open burning sites, and three water samples from a drainage that flows through the scrapyard were digested using standard wet digestion methods. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to analyze three replicates per sampling location for the heavy metals. The results revealed that the soil and drainage samples were polluted, with the metallic levels exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana limits. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and contamination factor (CF) further confirmed the contamination of the scrapyard by the heavy metals. Spatial distribution maps showed elevated levels of the heavy metals at portions designated for open burning and disposal of e-waste materials. The research corroborates studies on pollution of the environment by informal e-waste activities and underscores the urgent need for policy implementation and law enforcement to halt further pollution.
During the last few decades, the electrical and electronics industry has experienced an enormous growth. The increase in consumption of electronic equipment has been unprecedented. Increase in the use of electronic products have resulted in increases in production of these products and hence create a new waste, or coupled with increasing consumption is the increasing accumulation and generation of Waste Electrical and Electrical Equipment / WEEE, commonly known as electronic waste / e-waste. The study was conducted to examine the management of e-waste and its disposal methods in Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in particular the generation and status of e-waste, management practices. The networking with actors in relation to e-waste management was also observed to suggest possible recommendations for proper e-waste management in the university. The qualitative method was adopted and the research approach is a case study. The most important data collection instruments were questionnaires, interviews, observations and review of documents. The study was conducted in four campuses of Addis Ababa University.. The respondents were selected purposively based on their responsibility. Accordingly, the General Service Department officers were selected for filling the questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The study estimated that the total amount of e-waste is about 4982 in number. (Main campus 2648, science faculty 648, Institute of Technology 903, and FBE Campus 783). The most important causes of e-waste generation in AAU are rapid obsolescence rate, lack of maintenance, the demand for the new equipment and accessories. Regarding the actions taken to manage the e-waste, about 4660 of 4982 put in store, only 138 of them donated. There are about 46 rooms, which could be served as offices for academic staffs in the university that are occupied by e-waste. Recycling, reusing, donating and reselling the e-waste have not been practiced in the university. The major reasons for storing of e-waste are absence of good disposal methods, poor maintenances, upgrading and refurbishment. Awareness on e-waste is very low among the General Service Departments officers. Currently the university is not implementing any of the management options of waste materials due to the administrative, informative, economical challenges that make the implementation dormant. Making partnership with stakeholders to manage e-waste is not practiced. Therefore, there is a need to adopt specific legislations that specifically deals with e-waste and creating links with the four key actors in waste management such as the authorities, manufacturers, waste dealers and the users to design effective management system.
This-work, being the-first, in-a-series of 10, was intended to-provide a-sufficient-introductory to SWM; yet, it
can also-be-treated-as an-independent and a-complete-piece. This-article starts-with a-concentrated-digest
(synthesized from over 400 published-reference-documents), providing a-starting point, for readers, interested
in-advanced-investigation on the-topic. As-such, the-following-issues were presented and analyzed: SWM
history; Global and regional-generation-rates; WM-‘value-chain’; SWM-technologies; Impacts of uncontrolled-
SW; International-Conventions, Protocols, Agreements, and commitments, addressing SWM, and their-analysis;
as-well-as Global-SWM-practices (including municipal-waste management) and current-challenges,
incorporating POPs. It was concluded, that waste is completely-unavoidable in-any, and every-human-activity;
however, the-way the-waste is handled, stored, collected, and disposed-off, will-determine the-quality of oursurrounding-
environment, to-be-either; clean, pleasant, healthy, and sustainable, or filthy, disgusting, harmful,
and wasteful. The-way each-individual, company/organization, government, and society, at-large, deal with
their-waste, will-eventually-determine our-own-future, as-humans. The-study also justified, that the-waste
should-be-treated as a-resource, as it still-contains many-valuable-materials. The-study also-offered a-newanalogy;
the-sustainable SWM-system should-be analogous to-a-digestive-system, extracting all-the-recyclables
from the-waste, and only then discarding, the-small-remainder/waste. The-author, also-believes that Recycling
(with a-capital R) is the-future of human-civilization; however, it must be done in the-environmentally soundsustainable-
manner, to-protect health of workers, and also to-extract the-optimum-amount of valuable-materials,
from the-waste. This-study also-exposed, that despite the-existence of International, regional, and multilateralagreements,
illegal-trafficking of hazardous, toxic, radioactive, and e-waste, is still widely-practiced. Suchpractices
can-be regarded-as Environmental-racism, conducted by, or with the-help of, an-international-‘ecomafia’.
Environmental-racism was analyzed against human-rights; in-the-context of both; the-Universal-
Declaration of Human-Rights and the-generation-approach. The-author also-justified, that Environmental-racism
is real, alive, and widespread-global-trend, affecting many, if not all-countries. Environmental-racism is a-sin,
against humanity; logically, as any-sin, it should-be exposed, condemned, and fought against, with every-fibre,
of impartiality, left in-us. The-study also-exposed an-increasing-interest of majority of African-countries in
inherently-dangerous nuclear-energy (with its-by-product--radioactive-waste); the-recommendation was offered,
to-shift their-interest to clean/green/renewable-energy-sector, particularly solar-energy. There is also a-commonprejudiced
stereotyped-misconception, that, in-the-developed-countries almost-everything (including WM) is:
superior, brainy, flawless, highly-organized, and tidy; in-contrast, in-developing countries, and particularly inthe-‘
dark’-continent of Africa, almost-everything (including WM) is substandard, mediocre, unsound, ad-hoc,
and filthy. The-selected-examples, provided in-this-paper, will, possibly, demonstrate, that the-current-situation,
at-least, with-regard-to WM, is not so ‘black and white’. This-paper has also-offered several-recommendations
for further-research. Lastly, this-article does not claim to-be fully comprehensive, as it-is physically-impossible
‘to-fill an-ocean into a-small-cup’, and even the-most-comprehensive-review, have to-stop, at a-certain-point.
Nevertheless, the-cohesive-theoretical-background, alongside-with author’s analytical-scholarly-input, hopefully
provides a-credible-contribution to-the-body of knowledge, on-the-subject-matter, as-well-as a ‘food-forthought’.
With anticipation, this-work will not only attract, but also hold, considerable-attention, from SWM
stakeholders, and other-interested-parties, both; locally and internationally.
Keywords: Environmental racism, Convention, human rights, ‘eco’ mafia, POPs, e-waste, toxic, hazardous,
radioactive, nuclear plants, solar energy, Africa.
Currently, bioresorbable electronic devices are predominantly fabricated by complex and expensive vacuum-based integrated circuit (IC) processes. Here, a low-cost manufacturing approach for bioresorbable conductors on bioresorbable polymer substrates by evaporation-condensation-mediated laser printing and sintering of Zn nanoparticle is reported. Laser sintering of Zn nanoparticles has been technically difficult due to the surface oxide on nanoparticles. To circumvent the surface oxide, a novel approach is discovered to print and sinter Zn nanoparticle facilitated by evaporation-condensation in confined domains. The printing process can be performed on low-temperature substrates in ambient environment allowing easy integration on a roll-to-roll platform for economical manufacturing of bioresorbable electronics. The fabricated Zn conductors show excellent electrical conductivity (≈1.124 × 10(6) S m(-1) ), mechanical durability, and water dissolvability. Successful demonstration of strain gauges confirms the potential application in various environmentally friendly sensors and circuits.
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the recent global situation on waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) management and recommend policy directions for designing environmental strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
– Qualitative research approach is adopted to review studies on WEEE management in developed and developing countries. The focus is to critically consider the available options for its safe management.
Findings
– Approximately 40-50 million tons of WEEE is generated worldwide annually and most of it is dumped in the developing countries. WEEE is not a challenge to be faced by a single country as it has trans-boundary effects and ultimately the contamination reaches back to the developed countries with a lapse of time.
Research limitations/implications
– Data availability on WEEE generation and disposal is in initial stages.
Practical implications
– Developing countries in Asia and Africa do not have resources to handle WEEE. The unregulated and unsafe WEEE management practices in these countries let hazardous materials to disseminate into the marine life and global ecosystem.
Originality/value
– The paper recommends policy directions to deal with the emerging issue that may have globally far reaching consequences.
Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components of nearly all forms of commercial electronics, where they provide mechanical supports and electrical interconnections for mounted components. Modern PCBs offer multilayer configurations, capable of high frequency signal conduction with minimal transmission loss, and robust, reliable performance in various environmental conditions over extended periods of time. One potential route to reduce electronic waste streams is to build the electronics using materials that can naturally degrade into biologically and environmentally benign end products on timescales that exceed desired device lifetimes. Screen printing methods similar to those used in manufacturing of conventional PCBs are useful for fabricating transient analogs. As examples, screen-printed transient conductive pastes on Na-CMC substrates can yield circuits for wireless power harvesting and near field communication (NFC) devices.
The informal sector in India processes more than 90% of e-waste, using rudimentary techniques and unskilled workers. In contravention of the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2011, a large number of informal units are carrying out the processing of e-wastes in Delhi. This paper analyses the process of e-waste management in the informal sector and throws light on the working and living conditions of workers at some dismantling sites in Delhi. On the basis of unstructured interviews with e-waste workers, the paper articulates their risk perception and highlights the economics of e-wastes recycling in the informal sector. Given the harmful effects of e-wastes and the involvement of a large number of people, the paper underlines the need for changes in application of the law to recognize the rights of the workers and to strengthen safety provisions for them.
Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling has remained primitive in Guiyu, China, and thus may contribute to the elevation of blood lead levels (BLLs) in children living in the local environment.
We compared the BLLs in children living in the e-waste recycling town of Guiyu with those living in the neighboring town of Chendian.
We observed the processing of e-waste recycling in Guiyu and studied BLLs in a cluster sample of 226 children < 6 years of age who lived in Guiyu and Chendian. BLLs were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Hemoglobin (Hgb) and physical indexes (height and weight, head and chest circumferences) were also measured.
BLLs in 165 children of Guiyu ranged from 4.40 to 32.67 microg/dL with a mean of 15.3 microg/dL, whereas BLLs in 61 children of Chendian were from 4.09 to 23.10 microg/dL with a mean of 9.94 microg/dL. Statistical analyses showed that children living in Guiyu had significantly higher BLLs compared with those living in Chendian (p < 0.01). Of children in Guiyu, 81.8% (135 of 165) had BLLs > 10 microg/dL, compared with 37.7% of children (23 of 61) in Chendian (p < 0.01). In addition, we observed a significant increasing trend in BLLs with increasing age in Guiyu (p < 0.01). It appeared that there was correlation between the BLLs in children and numbers of e-waste workshops. However, no significant difference in Hgb level or physical indexes was found between the two towns.
The primitive e-waste recycling activities may contribute to the elevated BLLs in children living in Guiyu.