E-waste: NESERA DG, Jauro, others task Nigerians on proper disposal - ITREALMS

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The dangers of improper disposal of electronic waste (e-Waste) especially at homes could pose health challenges to humanity and environment, reports ITREALMS.

Leading discussants at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Lagos venue of the 2022 ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue hosted in Lagos by the ITREALMS Media group, with the theme "E-waste recycling it all, no matter how small," the Director-General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Aliyu Jauro, tasked Nigerians on the need for proper disposal of e-waste.

He said e-Waste as containing about 1,000 hazardous substances, dioxins and furans known carcinogens which are released into the environment from the prevalent crude recycling practices.

Where cables are burnt openly, for instance, he said, Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and other parts are broken processed to extract copper, precious materials like gold, diamond, but they have health implications.

Prof. Jauro frowned at the health implications through the interference of these substances with the body functions by increase in risks of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, asthma and other health problems.

He also attributed high mortality rates being recorded from the inhalation of these noxious and toxic emissions from improper recycling of e-waste.

NESREA DG enjoined Nigerians to recycle it all e-waste, no matter how small stressing that these items have lifespan or resident time for small electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) in homes of people.

He called for collective efforts by all to work together to improve the environmental quality in our rural and urban areas.

"It is important that we must promote inter-agency cooperation at Federal and State levels by supporting the regulatory and enforcement agencies whose mandates have direct bearing on environmental quality, so that they can effectively implement the relevant laws and regulations relating to e-waste," he said.

To pilot the implementation of E-waste take back system in retail centres using SLOT outlets, he explained that as reported by E-Waste Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (E-PRON), 19 collectors participated in the project in which 42 receptacles have been delivered alongside with danglers, raffle tickets and cash incentives to 22 SLOT outlets assigned to all the 19 collectors.

In the same vein, CEO, E-Terra Technologies Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Ochonogor urged people to dispose e-waste with an electronic recycling center in order to avoid health hazards which it may cause.

"E-waste awareness has become necessary because the damages caused by keeping these wastes in our households for hours, years, decades adds to health and environmental degradation thereby resulting in lower standard of living," he said.

ITREALMS E-Waste Dialogue is an annual programme put together to create awareness of the complex waste stream to provoke thoughts and support the transition to a sustainable society.

Some dignitaries at the event anchored by MC Luwy, Mrs Louisa Olaniyi, were the Coordinator, Justice, Development & Peace Commission (JDPC), St. Jude's Catholic Church, Mafoluku, Oshodi; Executive Secretary, E-Waste Producers Responsibility Organisation of Nigeria (E-PRON), Mrs. Ibukun Faluyi; Director of Operations, ITREALMS Media, Lady Nkem Nweke, among others

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