In simple term, e-waste is made up of old or end-of-life electronic appliances such as computers, laptops, televisions, generators, DVDs, mobile phones, freezers, and other items that are typically discarded by their original owners due to their short lifespan. Some of these materials contains a number of hazardous constituents that have a negative impact on the environment and, more importantly, human health if not properly managed.
The fraction including iron, copper, aluminum, gold, and other metals in e-waste is over 60%, while plastics account for about 30% and the hazardous pollutants comprise only about 2.70%.
It is fact that the electronics industry is the world's largest and fastest-growing industrial sector. And recently people have shifting to using or relying on modern technologies merely to live a luxury existence. This also needs to be checked for the health and wellbeing of people.
Experts revealed that annually, an estimated 16 billion injection are administered worldwide, but not all the needles and syringes are properly disposed afterwards. Some of those undisposed properly and their remnants pose threats to people especially children who sometimes scavenge dumpsite in search of probably what they believe to be useful items. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning – more so than adults because they absorb more lead from their environment and their nervous system and blood get affected.
In addition, the proliferation of electronic gadgets mostly from the Europe and the US, some of which contain hazardous chemicals, is a cause of concern. This sometimes raise the question that Africa is fast becoming a dumping ground for all types of waste.
Recently, the Gambia National for UNESCO in collaboration with the National Federation of Gambia Clubs for UNESCO and ASP Network through its Participation Programme has secured funding to raise awareness on the hazardous effects of medical and electronic waste.
The move is part of a broader efforts to create awareness and seek community’s support in reducing the threat pose by medical and electronic waste.
From the environmental perspective, most of the chemicals are harmful to our environment.
It is a fact that The Gambia is one of the few African countries, where proper waste management remains a challenge. This calls for the need to adopt proper waste disposal techniques.
In this day and age, many countries are embracing recycling as part of initiative to manage and recycle waste into something useful. And we can also do the same in The Gambia. It just needs embracing sound policies and new innovation to achieve this. Some of the strange diseases affecting people are as a result of contamination or being exposed to some of these hazardous chemicals. Together we can contribute to a safe environment free from all types of disease. Remember that warming of the earth and all other negative challenges communities are going through are as a result of our making. People tend to care less about environmental protection, thus indiscriminately dumping and releasing harmful chemicals in to the atmosphere.
Thus, let’s make a duty to contribute to the protection of environment and ensure proper disposal of medical and e-waste in communities.