Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP) members, the UN University Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP) SCYCLE Operating Unit and the World Health Organization (WHO) have released the results of the first global survey investigating the impacts of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling on child health.
According to the survey results, a significant knowledge gap exists between dangerous toxins and the products containing them.
23 February 2014: Solving the E-Waste Problem (StEP) members, the UN University Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP) SCYCLE Operating Unit and the World Health Organization (WHO) have released the results of the first global survey investigating the impacts of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling on child health. According to the survey results, a significant knowledge gap exists between dangerous toxins and the products containing them.
For example, although most respondents rated mercury as dangerous to human health, energy saving lamps, a key source of mercury in e-waste, was not rated as equally dangerous.
The study surveyed 139 epidemiologists, toxicologists, child health experts, industry representatives, NGO representatives and policy makers, gauging respondents’ knowledge about various discarded electronic and electrical equipment items, as well as the efficacy of protective devices. [StEP Press Release] [Publication: UNU & WHO Survey on E-waste and its Health Impact on Children] [WHO Webpage on E-Waste] [UNU Press Release]