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Electronic waste raises health concerns for developing nations. Recent reports in international
media have revealed that millions of tons of used computers and other electronics are
being sold from nations like the US, China and European Union member states to countries
like India, Âu Lạc (Vietnam) and Nigeria for what are being called recycling endeavors.
However, significant amounts of toxic residues are being released in the process as workers
engage in such hazardous practices as melting down circuit boards for their metal content
in the open air, with no protective face or skin covering. Thus, both the recycling company
employees and also the public are being placed at risk as poisons like mercury, lead and
cadmium are sent into the air, soil and water.
Although preliminary research in one area has revealed 50% higher lead levels in young
children who live near such enterprises, an article from India by Russia Today says that
workers know it's not good for their health but that they have no choice. Another substance
released is hexavalent chromium, a known cancer-causing agent.
We thank the international reporters and media for bringing this troubling matter to the
attention of the public. May policies be quickly developed by governments of all countries
for electronic waste to be properly handled in a way that protects humans, animals and
our Earth�