Electronic waste trafficking: ‘Toxic waste’ in the developing world; health risks are at an all-time high

 Illegal e-waste trafficking from developed to developing countries poses a serious environmental threat. It is increasing rapidly due to rapid changes in technology around the world.

Lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic chemicals (heavy metals) contained in this waste are seriously contaminating the water, soil, and public health of the developing world, creating a deep environmental and human rights crisis.

Smugglers frequently disguise waste as used electronics and ship millions of tons to poor countries in Asia and Africa. There, the recycling process is unsafe, unregulated, and lacks environmental standards.

A recent Europol report shows that around $10 billion of e-waste is illegally trafficked from Europe each year. These criminal networks make huge profits by exploiting tax evasion and weak environmental regulations.

The biggest victims of this illegal dumping are the local poor. They extract copper, gold, and other precious metals from toxic waste, harming their nervous and respiratory systems.

A UNEP study found that children in waste recycling areas have mercury blood levels five times higher than normal.

International organizations like Interpol are urging member states to enhance surveillance of illegal trade and implement international transport control agreements, particularly the Basel Convention