What happens to old appliances and gadgets?

Technology has become a necessity due to its benefits in people's daily lives. In light of this, modern technology advances and upgrades by generation in order to align with people's ever-evolving lifestyle. In fact, new models advertised with better and more efficient features are released yearly nowadays. But, do you ever wonder what happens to your previous appliances and gadgets?

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Well, disposed or unused old televisions, refrigerators, desktop computers, and etc. have become or are becoming electronic wastes or e-wastes.

“Ang e-waste ay 'yung mga appliances or electronic and electric devices na kapag dumating na sa end of life niya, ito na 'yung mga tinatapon natin at tinatambak sa mga basura. So, naglalaman ito ng heavy metals o 'yung mga chemicals na nakaka-epekto din sa kalusugan ng isang tao, lalo na 'yung mga nangongolekta nito at nagre-recycle nito,” said Dr. Valeriano Timbang from the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the Department of Health.

The toxic chemicals emitted by heated or burned electronic wastes could harm the environment. Furthermore, the real danger comes when these spoiled e-wastes contaminate the lands and waters.

“There are very hazardous substances that are in electronics that can be very detrimental to the environment if they reach the landfills,” said David Thomas Carmen, President and CEO of HMR Envirocycle.

Aside from its environmental effects, electronic wastes can also cause possible health hazards because it contains dangerous chemicals or heavy metals that can be absorbed in our bodies. It can damage the major organs in our body, and even cause cancer due to its carcinogenic substances. For children, it can affect their body's growth and brain development.

Learn more about e-wastes and how to avoid it in this full episode of The Healthy Juan:

For more information, watch "The Healthy Juan: Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kapaligiran" with Kapuso host Susan Enriquez on GMA News TV every Monday, 7:30 PM (Replays every Sunday at 5:30 PM) and Fridays, 6:30 PM (Replays at 10:30 PM). #TheHealthyJuan