The informal processing of scrapped electrical or electronic devices is putting the health of millions of children, adolescents and expectant mothers across the globe at risk, suggests a report from the World Health Organization, titled Children and Digital Dumpsites, and calls for effective and urgent action to protect them.

Around 12.9 million women are working in the informal waste sector, and are exposed to toxic e-waste, which puts them and their unborn children at risk. Additionally, over 18 million children and adolescents, including some who are as young as 5 years old, are also involved in the informal industrial sector. Waste processing is a part of the sector. Furthermore, there are children who live, attend school and play near e-waste recycling centers, where toxic chemicals, especially lead and mercury, can potentially damage their intellectual abilities.

The report urges conclusive action by exporters, importers and governments to make sure that there is environmentally sound disposal of e-waste and to ensure the health and safety of workers and their families as well as communities at large. It also calls for monitoring of e-waste exposure and health outcomes, promoting better reuse of materials, and encouraging the manufacture of more durable devices… (WHO, June 15, 2021)