Public awareness and health implications of indiscriminate E-waste disposal in Owerri Municipal, Nigeria

Abstract

This research was conducted to ascertain the level of public awareness on the dangers of electronic wastes (E-waste) and the health implications of improper disposal of such wastes on the residents of Owerri Municipal. Simple random sampling techniques was used to gather data using questionnaire. A total of 175 questionnaires were used out of which 150 were useable for the analysis. The questionnaire assessed the knowledge of the residents on the dangers of E-waste and the health implications of indiscriminate disposal of such waste. The result of the research showed that 42% of the residents were aware of dangers of E-waste and the health implications of the r disposal of the wastes while 45.3% were not aware. Majority of the respondents learnt about the dangers of E-wastes and the health implications of the indiscriminate disposal through school and mass media (40% respectively). The major method of E-waste disposal in the study area is Open dumping (55.3%). Findings from the study showed that E-waste management in the area is poorly handled and unsustainable. Hence, researcher recommended the enactment of strict laws and enforcement mechanism against indiscriminate disposal of E-waste and through public enlightenment programs to educate the residents on the dangers and health implications of indiscriminate disposal of E-waste, as these will ensure proper E-waste management thereby reducing the adverse health consequences.