'The Healthy Juan': The effects of e-waste in our body
With the development of modern technology, a lot of us rely on gadgets such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, and computers to make our lives easier,
But did you know that once our electronic gadgets are discarded, it not only affects the environment but our overall health as well?
In an interview by Susan Enriquez for The Healthy Juan, Dr. Valeriano Timbang of the Disease Prevention Control Bureau of the Department of Health (DOH) said that electronics that are left discarded and not properly recycled emit electronic waste or e-waste that can affect the body.
Adding, “Naglalaman ito ng mga heavy metals at chemicals na nakaka-apekto sa kalusugan ng mga tao, lalo na 'yung mga nangongolekto o nagrerecycle nito.”
It was also discussed that a small gadget, the size of a regular smartphone, emits as much as 44.7 metric tons of e-waste and if not discarded properly may affect large bodily organs such as the brain, lungs, and the stomach.
Dr. Timbang claims, “Ang e-waste ay naglalaman ng mga chemical o heavy metal na pwedeng ma-absorb ng tao na nagrerecycle nito. Puwede niya itong malanghap, ma-absorb ng skin, maingest, at maari nitong maapektuhan ang major organs natin tulad ng baga, liver, at kidney.
“Madali itong magdulot ng sakit na cancer dahil ang ibang substances nito ay considered carcinogenic.
“At para sa mga bata na hindi pa mature ang organs, pwede ma-stunt ang kanilang growth at 'di mag-develop ang kanilang brain --- naapektuhan ang kanilang paglaki at pag-iisip.”
So what can we do, as citizens, to minimize e-waste?
According to recycling companies like HMR Envirocycle, if you plan to discard any electronic gadgets simply donate them to recycling plants so they can properly dispose of the parts and reuse other elements like gold and nickel.
When buying new gadgets, make sure to do your research well and be observant if the electronic devices have components that may endanger the health of the environment and its future user.
Fortunately, most electronic companies nowadays indicate if a gadget is harmful once it has reached its end life. You may also look for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) sticker and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) logos to make sure that a gadget does not contain any harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, polybrominated biphenyl ethers, and so much more.
These little habits can help provide a better future for our environment and can help our bodies as well.
For more information on e-waste, watch this episode from The Healthy Juan: