E-waste slows down development of child's brain

SHAH ALAM - High-risk groups such as children and the elderly are at potential risk of cancer, slow brain development, or respiratory system disorders if exposed to excessive chemicals from electrical and electronic wastes (e-waste).

Public Health Medical Expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said toxic substances such as dioxins affect the immune system, arsenic could cause diabetes or cardiovascular diseases and mercury can cause kidney damage.

He explained that while the use of electrical and electronic devices facilitated daily tasks, they needed to be disposed of properly at the end of their lifespan to prevent hazardous materials from being exposed to people around them.

"Pregnant women, teenagers, adults, or young children can also suffer from skin, eye and other diseases if there is air or water pollution.

"Pollution can occur in the air, soil and our daily food sources. It is said that there are at least 69 elements consisting of valuable metals, including hazardous materials," he told Sinar.

Dr Zainal noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that e-waste could become a threat to the environment and human health if not managed, disposed of, recycled, or treated appropriately.

He hoped that the government can develop an organised disposal or treatment system to prevent the industry from being managed by parties not following the prescribed methods.

"The government must be attentive and develop an efficient system at both global and domestic levels. We already have (collection centres and recovery facilities), but it is still insufficient," he added.

Meanwhile, illegal activities of collecting electrical and electronic wastes (e-waste) were believed to be operating under the guise of collecting used items and scrap metal.

A survey by Sinar Harian journalists in Bukit Naga, Section 32, found that factories buying, selling and collecting scrap metal were also a choice for locals to send their e-waste.

Posing as a school leaver looking for a job as a cleaner, it was discovered that the premises not only bought, sold, and collected scrap metal but also bought e-waste from customers.

It is understood that the premises conduct the collection of metals, zinc and used iron from residential or large building structures.

When asked about e-waste, the factory manager admitted to collecting this waste and selling it at potentially higher prices than the current market.

However, the premises were not used as e-waste dismantling and disposal centres; they only collected the waste until it reached a certain quantity before reselling it to other parties.