Europe now finds itself in the centre of the contentious issue of so called "backyard recycling".
Organohalogen compounds are, in general, non hazardous but a ban is being considered in an attempt to prevent uncontrolled and unsafe recycling practices that are carried out in India, China and Africa.
The fact that this happens is not in question and many people, especially the young, are harmed by the toxic chemicals that are emitted when some of these substances are burnt over open fires to recover materials such as copper, silver and aluminium from electronic waste (WEEE) that has reached end-of-life.
The export of WEEE from the European Union to countries where these practices occur is illegal as the recycling processes do not meet the requirements of the WEEE Directive, while it is also against the requirements of the Basel Convention on trans-border shipment of hazardous waste.
Organohalogen compounds are, in general, non hazardous but a ban is being considered in an attempt to prevent uncontrolled and unsafe recycling practices that are carried out in India, China and Africa.
The fact that this happens is not in question and many people, especially the young, are harmed by the toxic chemicals that are emitted when some of these substances are burnt over open fires to recover materials such as copper, silver and aluminium from electronic waste (WEEE) that has reached end-of-life.
The export of WEEE from the European Union to countries where these practices occur is illegal as the recycling processes do not meet the requirements of the WEEE Directive, while it is also against the requirements of the Basel Convention on trans-border shipment of hazardous waste.
The Basel "ban" was also based around an attempt to stop the developed world shipping e-waste to developing countries. While Europe signed up to this convention it still happens. The US has yet to ratify the agreement and still ships significant amounts of e-waste at end of life to China and India, probably as the recycling costs are one tenth of those back home.
Dr Thuppil Venkatesh, advisor to the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India states that "53% of children under 12 have levels of lead in their blood that is causing brain damage and restricting their ability to learn". He goes on to talk about one of the contributing factors saying "We are seeing an increased number of cases because more and more electronic waste is being handled by our people".
While e-waste is burnt over open fires, acid baths are used to strip cable and PCB's for earnings of around $100 to $150 per month.
However, hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium, flame retardants and other toxins are found in e-waste. Inhaling, or regular handling of e-waste can result in damage to the brain, nervous system, lungs, and kidneys, can cause cancer and even be fatal.
Despite the Basel Convention it is estimated that 50% of all US e-waste is "dumped" in India, China or Africa.
However, Europe is far from blameless and an inspection of 18 ports around two years ago found that 47% of e-waste destined for export was illegal.
Dr. Venkatesh summed up by requesting that developed countries stop sending their old computers to help with education.
"Please, no charity, do not send your old computers and cell phones to us - you are killing the children" .....a sobering thought!
Directive Decoder
Dr Thuppil Venkatesh, advisor to the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India states that "53% of children under 12 have levels of lead in their blood that is causing brain damage and restricting their ability to learn". He goes on to talk about one of the contributing factors saying "We are seeing an increased number of cases because more and more electronic waste is being handled by our people".
While e-waste is burnt over open fires, acid baths are used to strip cable and PCB's for earnings of around $100 to $150 per month.
However, hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium, flame retardants and other toxins are found in e-waste. Inhaling, or regular handling of e-waste can result in damage to the brain, nervous system, lungs, and kidneys, can cause cancer and even be fatal.
Despite the Basel Convention it is estimated that 50% of all US e-waste is "dumped" in India, China or Africa.
However, Europe is far from blameless and an inspection of 18 ports around two years ago found that 47% of e-waste destined for export was illegal.
Dr. Venkatesh summed up by requesting that developed countries stop sending their old computers to help with education.
"Please, no charity, do not send your old computers and cell phones to us - you are killing the children" .....a sobering thought!
Directive Decoder
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