Potentially-Dangerous Levels Of Contamination
Found At E-Waste Processing Sites In China And India
Group Calls For Improvements In Design And Handling Of Electronic
Equipment
by Dave Bell
Analyses of samples of indoor dust, soil, river sediment, and ground water taken at electronic scrap facilities and dump sites in southern China and near New Delhi, India, showed elevated levels of toxic heavy metals and organic compounds associated with electrical and electronic equipment, according to a study conducted by Greenpeace International. The Amsterdam-based organization urged governments to adopt tighter controls on shipment and recycling of electronic waste, and for manufacturers to redesign new electronic goods to minimize the use of hazardous materials and to facilitate safer end-of-life dismantling and separation.
"All stages in the processing of electrical and electronic wastes have the potential to release substantial quantities of toxic heavy metals and organic compounds to the workplace environment and, at least to the extent studied, also to surrounding soils and water courses," according Greenpeace's report. Heavy metals associated with electronic equipment that were most commonly found in the sampling included lead, tin, copper, cadmium, and antimony -- along with barium, chromium, cobalt, gold, mercury, nickel, silver, and zinc.
Also in evidence were brominated, chlorinated, and phosphorus-based flame retardants, phthalate esters, and esters of long-chain organic acids. "Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were particularly in evidence, as well as many other organic chemicals, some containing chlorine or bromine."
Although the report does not present a comprehensive survey of China's or India's e-waste processing industries, nor of any specific facility, it "provides a compelling case for immediate action in both countries to address workplace health and safety issues, as well as waste management practices," said Kevin Brigden, one of the Greenpeace scientists involved in the study.
"Both wastes and hazardous chemicals used in the processing are commonly handled with little regard for the health and safety of the workforce or surrounding communities and with no regard for the environment," concluded the report. "Overall, the result is severe contamination of the workplace and adjacent environment with a range of toxic metals and persistent organic contaminants. Further research would be necessary in order to identify and quantify the full impact of this industrial sector, including studies on the health of workers and of residents in adjacent communities."
Greenpeace also urged manufacturers to develop products that are safe and easy to repair, upgrade, and recycle without endangering workers and their environment. "The data reinforces the need for the electronics industry to eliminate the use of harmful substances in their products at the design stage and take responsibility for their products at the end of their lifecycle," said Brigden.