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E-Waste
Over 50 million tonnes of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) is discarded each year, with at least 70% being 'dumped' in India, China and Africa. Untrained workers then work to retrieve materials such as copper, silver and aluminium, often by melting materials in open fires or acid baths.
Illegal shipments of e-waste
The export of WEEE from Europe to countries where this kind of hazardous 'recycling' takes place is illegal, but unscrupulous businesses continue to supply the trade by deliberately labelling the defunct goods as either in working order, or unbelievably, as charitable donations to aid education.
"A neurological tsunami"
The full damage caused to humans, livestock and the environment is still not fully appreciated, but common results include severe poisoning, cancers, fertility problems, birth abnormalities and, in some cases, death.
