(N/A) Electronic waste,or $e$-waste,consists of discarded,unusable electronic gadgets such as computers,mobile phones,circuits,and television sets.
Sources of $e$-waste include obsolete electronic equipment from households,offices,and industries,ranging from small devices like smartphones to large appliances.
These devices contain hazardous chemicals such as lead,cadmium,beryllium,mercury,and brominated flame retardants.
Improper disposal leads to severe environmental and health issues:
$1$. Soil and Water Contamination: When $e$-waste is dumped in landfills,rainwater can leach toxic heavy metals into the soil and groundwater,a process known as leachate formation.
$2$. Air Pollution: Burning $e$-waste releases toxic fumes and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
$3$. Health Risks: Exposure to these toxins can cause serious health problems,including kidney disease,brain damage,and genetic mutations.