E-Waste Air Pollution's Impact on Environment and Weather Examples
Smog – Smog can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. It can also damage plants and
animals. For example, in 2013, a smog-related health emergency
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in Beijing, China, led to the hospitalization
of thousands of people and the deaths of dozens more.
Acid Rain – Acid rain can damage plants and animals and corrode buildings and infrastructure. For example,
in the United States, acid rain has been linked to the decline of fish populations in many lakes and rivers. It
has also damaged forests and buildings.
Climate Change – Climate change is caused by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Greenhouse gases trap heat, which causes the Earth's temperature to rise. Climate change can lead to
extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and storms. For example, in 2017, Hurricane
Harvey caused an estimated $125 billion in damage
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in the United States. It is believed that climate change
made the hurricane more intense.
Ecological Damage – Air pollution from e-waste can harm plants and animals. Pollutants can damage plants
and can poison animals. For example, in 2015, a study found that air pollution from e-waste recycling in
Guiyu, China
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, harmed the health of local children. The study found that the children had higher levels of
lead and other pollutants in their blood than children who did not live near the e-waste recycling facilities.
Health Problems – Air pollution from e-waste can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory
problems, heart disease, cancer, and birth defects. For example, a study published in 2018
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found that
people who live near e-waste recycling facilities are at an increased risk of developing cancer. The study
found that the risk of developing cancer was particularly high for people who worked in the e-waste recycling
industry.
