Countries in East Asia are currently in big trouble for the tons of electronic wastes that are being dumped in their place on a regular basis. This matter has reached at an alarming rate because not only does it pose a concern for the environment, but the health of the people living there is about to be jeopardized.
In an article published by ABC.net, China is the main source of these electronic wastes for the past five years now. A new study made by scientists at the United Nations University has confirmed this and added that this issue on discarded electronic materials is about to make a lot of people sick on that side of the world.
Over 12 million electronic wastes are being dumped in countries in East Asia and most countries barely have laws that would help in regulating it. Electronic products, particularly smartphones that are easily obsolete are usually the cause of this problem according to the study. People who are earning a lot in Asia are also the ones contributing to this problem based on this research.
Smartphones are not the only reason for this problem because other electronic materials such as air conditioners and TVs are also causing this issue. An increase of two-thirds of these wastes has been observed in only a matter of half a decade, which is a total of 12.3 million tons of discarded electronic items just in the past couple of years alone.
According to ABC News, this is causing some serious health problems specifically when locals burn these wastes in open air. Infertility, mental illnesses and birth defects are just among the health issues that people in these countries are now facing.
Fortunately for South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, they made a system to handle their waste products properly since the 90s. Recycling is encouraged for everyone to practice, especially in countries affected by this problem.