Electronic waste and the risks to human and environmental health: a bibliographical review

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Electronic waste has a varied composition, and may contain metallic alloys, plastics, composites, ceramic material, glass and oxides. Among the elements with the most significant risk to human health are heavy metals. These elements can contaminate the soil and water resources, reaching the food chain, since they are bio-accumulative, hurting plants, animals and humans.  The objective was to discuss the risks inherent to electronic waste for human and environmental health.

Methods: This study was characterized as a descriptive bibliographic review, in which databases were consulted, through the use of descriptors: electronic waste; heavy metals and health. Bibliography sources in Portuguese, English and Spanish were selected, considering mainly the sources from 2015 to 2022. The present study was characterized as bibliographical research, through the literary consultation of previously published material and information in the public domain, dispensing with the need for prior authorization to take an ethics exam.

Results: Regarding human health, heavy metals can lead to acute effects, depending on the dose and exposure time, as well as the long-term effect deadline. An example of heavy metals and human health issues are arsenic (pulmonary and neurological alterations); cadmium (renal and pulmonary alterations); chromium (lung disorders); lead, renal and hepatic alterations); nickel (pulmonary) and mercury (pulmonary and neurological). In the long term, these heavy metals can contribute to the development of cancers in these tissues.

Conclusion: Therefore, policies must be implemented seeking to encourage regularization and training of recyclers, reinsertion of materials into the production chain, reverse logistics and bioremediation of contaminated areas, to reduce environmental impacts and human exposure to heavy metals.