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Improper disposal of old electronics, also known as e-waste, can cause several types of pollution:
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- Soil Pollution: E-waste contains harmful heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these electronics are dumped in landfills or in the environment, these metals can leak into the soil. This contamination can then affect the plants growing in that soil, making them hazardous for consumption.
- Water Pollution: The toxic chemicals from e-waste can also seep into groundwater or nearby bodies of water when improperly disposed of. This contaminates the water supply, harming aquatic life and making the water unsafe for drinking or even washing.
- Air Pollution: In some cases, burning e-waste in open fires to extract metals releases toxic fumes and dioxins into the air. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems and other health issues for people living nearby.
Overall, improper e-waste disposal creates a toxic legacy that can harm human health and the environment for a long time.