Health and Environmental Effects of E-waste Recycling Processes

E-waste is a heterogenous material containing different hazardous materials such as heavy metals and organic pollutants. Rudimentary e-waste recycling activities by the informal sector affect the environment and the health of the workers. The surrounded area as well as workers are affected by organic pollutants emerging from dismantling workshops. Emitted end products such as volatile organic compounds and halogenated hydrocarbons are inhaled or ingested through contamination with food, soil, or dermal contact by workers. The local people residing in the neighborhood of recycling area are also exposed to toxic and hazardous substances having carcinogenic effects. Exposure of heavy metals and other pollutants cause neurological manifestation specially in pregnant women and children leading to stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, premature birth, and DNA damage. In contemporary literature, the effects of e-waste recycling on human health are addressed in standalone studies, but they fail to conglomerate the recent advancements. This study outlines the consequences of e-waste pollutant exposure to human health focusing on different organ systems. A discussion is provided on the nutritional aspects of the e-waste workers. The outcome of the chapter is expected to be helpful in developing new policy approaches toward preserving the health of the e-waste workers, especially in the developing countries.