Abstract

Electronic waste encompassing a range of obsolete electronic devices such as computers, telecommunication devices, home appliances, recording devices and automobile components is ever growing resulting in the deterioration of environmental quality. Countries like India suffer not only due to the generation of their own electronic wastes but also from the dumping of such wastes from developed countries. The consumers find it convenient to buy a new computer rather than to upgrading the old one due to the changing configuration and technology. The components of electronic wastes result in toxicity and carcinogenicity. Some of them include lead, mercury, cadmium, tin, copper, silicon, beryllium, aluminum and Poly chlorinated Biphenyls. The types of devices contributing to electronic waste generation and the toxic effects of their components are discussed.