E Waste is a huge problem for businesses today. In this post, we look at the devastating impact.
Soil can be contaminated from e-waste in two major ways. The first is through direct contact with e-waste disposal and recycling by-products or e-waste contaminants. The second is indirectly through irrigation from contaminated water. When e-waste is illegally dumped or there is the incorrect disposal of user computer equipment, both flame retardants and heavy metals, such as cadmium and arsenic, can leach directly into the soil from the e-waste. This contaminates crops and underlying groundwater. This impacts ecosystems because acidification, dioxins, PBDEs, and heavy metals change the soil composition in complicated and unpredictable ways. These changes can be extremely damaging to the microorganisms in plants and soil, as well as the wildlife and animals that depend on these plants for survival. Plants in contaminated soils tend to suffer from reduced growth, altered metabolism, and damaged cell structure.
There is no denying that humans are also impacted by this contaminated soil through consuming these crops that have been grown in soil that is contaminated, as well as eating fish, meat, and eggs where toxic substances have increased in concentrated up the food chain. These effects are further compounded for children. This is because children are more likely to play in contaminated soil, and so they may ingest it through inadequate hand-washing practices and poor hygiene. This is why paper shredding businesses also assist with ewaste management today, so this is definitely worth looking into.
Why Computer Disposal Services Are Vital In Terms Of Air Pollution
Finally, we are going to take a look at how incorrect computer disposal has a negative impact on the air we breathe in. E-waste can contaminate the air when it is transported to countries whereby there are poorly regulated recycling processes. This is typical for countries with informal economies. In such countries, computers and such like tend to be dismantled and shredded. This releases large particulates or dust into the immediate environment. This can cause workers to suffer issues with their respiratory system, especially if they do not have adequate protection. These conditions can be chronic. Furthermore, air pollution can have an impact on animal species – some more than others.
On a long-term basis, air pollution can cause irreversible and damaging changes in ecosystems through hurting plant species, soil chemistry, and water quality. Of course, this air pollution also negatively impacts humans. This is because they can inhale the small particles that are created through the toxic chemicals and informal recycling practices. This is a concern for two reasons. Firstly, these particles can travel a very long way, which means they impact communities that are nowhere near where the pollution stems from. Moreover, these particles can bypass the defense mechanisms of the body’s respiratory system, causing a huge range of health problems, acute, chronic, and otherwise. This is why you need to choose computer disposal services to ensure e-waste is disposed of correctly.
