Guest Lecture on E-Waste Management hosted by BioMusketeers Club
Date: April 4th, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Mode: Offline- T6
Speaker: Mrs. A. Mary Vijaya Ratnam, Head, Dept. of Physics, St. Joseph’s College for Women
Report on Guest Lecture: E-Waste and Child Health
The guest lecture on E-Waste and Child Health highlighted the alarming issue of electronic waste generation and its impact on children's health. Key points discussed:
E-Waste Statistics
- 62 million tons of e-waste generated globally
- Only 22% processed in 2013
- 32% increase in e-waste generation from 2010 to 2022
Health Risks
- Exposure to toxic metals like lithium, lead, mercury, and cadmium
- Skin exposure, inhalation, ingestion, and transplacental exposure
- Effects on children, including rag pickers and those in e-waste disposal sectors
E-Waste Management
- Current methods: landfill, acid bath, incineration, and mechanical recycling
- Importance of proper recycling processes: collection, transportation, shredding, reuse, and material recovery
Role of Government and Manufacturers
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations
- Sustainable design and durable products
- Examples of companies promoting e-waste management
Best Practices
- Minimize e-waste generation at home and organizational levels
- Proper disposal and recycling practices
- Examples of innovative solutions, such as using plastic chips for road construction
Conclusion
The lecture emphasized the need for responsible e-waste management, highlighting the impact on children's health and the environment. It encouraged individuals, organizations, and governments to work together to mitigate the effects of e-waste and promote sustainable practices.
