In the present situation we need national electronic recycling services and individual / private certified electronic recyclers so that the burden of electronic waste can be lifted off our shoulders. Are you aware that e-waste and its recycling procedures can cause significant damage to our ecological system? Yes, even getting rid of the electronic waste that we produce comes with a slew of hazards that we might be ignorant of at the moment. Following is a list of few dangers associated with E-waste recycling, especially if it is not carried out by a certified electronic recycling professional:
1. The Risk Of Slips, Trips And Falls
Several workers working in e-waste management and recycling companies and plants can slip, fall and injure themselves while collecting and transporting e-waste components from one site to another. The practice of dumping this electronic waste on the outskirts of major cities and nearby landfills puts e-waste workers even closer to this hazard.
2. Hazards Related To Crushing
Any worker who is not careful enough may get stuck in the e-waste recycling machine. Traffic accidents while transporting e-waste from the dumping ground to the crushing site are also very common. Use of machinery and equipment that have moving parts such as rollers and conveyors should always be carried out under a skilled and experienced supervisor. If not done with absolute care and precision, crushing equipments and machineries can lead to amputations and even death.
3. Hazardous Energy Releases
Any certified electronics recycler in this industry should warn their operations managers and workers about the various risks related to the installation, use and maintenance of these equipments. Even an unexpected machine startup can cause irreparable injury or amputation. Serious injuries and accidents could even lead to the death of the worker.
4. Cuts, Burns And Lacerations
Proper safety equipment and protection gear are provided to e-waste recycling workers and managers. These processes are highly critical and if one is not careful enough, they might lead to cuts, burns and lacerations. Dismantling e-waste is a very critical and dangerous process because it involves frequent and constant contact with metal and plastic equipments. These have sharp edges and jagged surfaces. This can result in harm to the hands and other parts of the body as well. Certified electronic recyclers are required to go through proper inspections and safety protocols to ensure that all their workers are well protected from any such harm from e-waste dismantling.
5. Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is also a problem of electronic waste management and recycling. Noise is a constant byproduct of any plant or recycling facility. However, measures should be taken to protect the ears of the workers from the noises produced by constant running machineries, hammering, drilling, cutting and several other procedures.
6. Release Of Toxic Materials
We have pointed out this negative impact of electronic waste several times. There are numerous chemicals and substances that can get released into the air very easily if any of this e waste is burnt or even left in the open air to deteriorate. All these chemicals can seep into our soil and eventually reach our water bodies. Many of them get dissolved in the air we breathe and get ingested into our systems directly. This is another risk that several national electronic recycling companies have to combat.
We are progressing at a very fast speed and this has resulted in the production of massive amounts of e-waste across the globe. We continue to create piles of dangerous electronic equipment that we have discarded as useless. There is a looming threat on not only us but our coming generations as well. Electronic waste recycling and management is not just the need of the hour but very critical to the survival of the human race.
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