The use of electrical and electronic equipment is increasing day by day in Bangladesh. But after their expiration, they become poisonous waste materials, called e-waste. It contains serious radiation, which affects our environment in various ways. These devices contain many harmful substances for human health and natural environment. Metal and chemical elements like lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium and lead oxide are harmful to human nervous system, liver, kidney, heart, lungs, brain, skin, etc. Health of children, adolescents and expectant mothers is being affected by e-waste.
E-waste also harms the growth of plants. It damages the food chain of the ecosystem and contributes to the overall environmental change. According to a study by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), about 400,000 tons of e-waste is now produced in the country every year. And the quantity will increase several times by 2030. However, we in Bangladesh do not have any concrete policy for managing e-waste.
The authorities concerned should immediately take effective plans and measures before e-waste affects public health and our environment. They must do that to protect soil fertility, prevent extinction of animals and plants, and make the earth habitable. Many of the plants we need today are getting extinct. So, we need to focus on e-waste management to save our biodiversity. Initiatives should be taken to create awareness of and public opinion against the harmful aspects of e-waste.
Abir Hasan Suzon,
Student of Department of Land Management and Law,
Jagannath University, Dhaka,
abirsuzon4@gmail.com