Environmental impact of technological waste and its repercussions on health

Abstract

Rapid technological progress has increased the need for adequate treatment of electronic waste, with measures ranging from reduction to recycling. The objective of this research was to evaluate the environmental incidence of technological waste and its impact on the health of the inhabitants of the southern zone of Manabí. Primary sources, articles and research reports were used to support its quantitative approach at a descriptive and field level. Its development allowed identifying the main causes and consequences of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) on the environment and human health, giving a preamble to the laws and regulations that govern the province of Manabí. In order to estimate the management of these wastes, a survey was conducted among 1067 families in the canton of Paján, Jipijapa and Puerto López. As a result, it was determined that 65% of the inhabitants choose to keep the technological devices in their homes, while 35% of the population considers it appropriate to deliver the e-waste to a person or company specialized in recycling. In fact, the way in which these technologies are disposed of is not optimal, therefore, citizens need to have a viable method to dispose of electronic waste. The present study is derived from a research project of the Information Technology Career with the subject that deals with: Environmental Incidence of technological waste and its repercussion on the health of the inhabitants of the South Zone of Manabí.