lead contamination
Credit: Choo Yut Shing/Flickr
In Vietnam's bustling e-waste market, informal recyclers play a vital role
The informal recycling market in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City showcases how e-waste is managed, with workers salvaging what they can to mitigate environmental harm.
Aniruddha Ghosal and Jae C. Hong report for the Associated Press.
In short:
- E-waste is filling up landfills at an alarming rate, with Asian countries generating almost half of the 62 million metric tons produced globally in 2022.
- Despite rising e-waste, proper recycling systems are scarce, leaving informal workers to collect waste, exposing them to health hazards.
- Collaboration between informal and formal sectors is seen as a potential solution to improve efficiency and safety in e-waste management.
Key quote:
“We are currently generating e-waste at an unprecedented rate.”
— Garam Bel, e-waste officer at the U.N.’s International Telecommunication Union
Why this matters:
Managing e-waste is crucial for public health and environmental safety, and integrating informal recyclers into the formal sector could help optimize resource recovery while protecting workers from hazardous conditions. Read more: Electronic waste from just this year will outweigh the Great Wall of China.
Keep reading...Show less
Photo by Ashim D’Silva on Unsplash
EPA finds small planes’ lead pollution threatens human health
The EPA took the first step toward regulations aimed at reducing lead exposure from plane fuel, a potential health benefit for people near smaller airports.
| Stock Photo ID: 199093078 |
| Copyright: Paul Brady |
DOJ enlists 'small army' to fight pollution in vulnerable communities
Meet three career Justice Department attorneys who are helping people of color and low-income areas combat contamination.
| Stock Photo ID: 199093078 |
| Copyright: Paul Brady |
DOJ enlists 'small army' to fight pollution in vulnerable communities
Meet three career Justice Department attorneys who are helping people of color and low-income areas combat contamination.
| Stock Photo ID: 199093078 |
| Copyright: Paul Brady |
DOJ enlists 'small army' to fight pollution in vulnerable communities
Meet three career Justice Department attorneys who are helping people of color and low-income areas combat contamination.
Students return to Lahaina schools as EPA seals down toxic ash
State health and education officials say it's safe for kids to come back but some parents and teachers have doubts.
Students return to Lahaina schools as EPA seals down toxic ash
State health and education officials say it's safe for kids to come back but some parents and teachers have doubts.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
MOST POPULAR
CLIMATE
