MODULE-5

E-Waste Management

E-Waste: Introduction, sources of e-waste, Composition, Characteristics, and

Need of E-waste management. Toxic materials used in manufacturing electronic
and electrical products; health hazards due to exposure to e-waste. Recycling
and Recovery: Different approaches of recycling (separation, thermal
treatments, hydrometallurgical extraction, pyrometallurgical methods, direct
recycling). Extraction of gold from E-waste. Role of stake holders in
environmental management of e-waste (producers, consumers, recyclers, and
statutory bodies).

Define waste.

Waste refers to any material that is not wanted or needed and is discarded or
disposed of.

Classification of Waste:

Waste can be classified into several categories including household waste,

industrial waste, hazardous waste, and e-waste (waste from electronic devices).

Define waste management.

Waste management refers to the collection, transportation, treatment, and
disposal of waste materials to reduce their negative impact on the environment
and human health.

Define E-waste management.

E-waste management refers to the processes and systems used to collect,

transport, treat, and dispose of electronic waste (e-waste) in an environmentally
responsible and safe manner.

Sources of electronic waste (e-waste):

The main sources of electronic waste (e-waste) include:

1. Consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, televisions, and

household appliances.
2. Office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines.
 3. Medical equipment such as X-ray machines, monitors, and diagnostic
equipment.
4. Electronic toys and games.
5. Military and government surplus equipment.
6. Obsolete technology such as outdated computer equipment and VCRs.
7. Discarded or broken electronic devices.
8. Colleges often use electronic equipment such as projectors, computer
equipment, and audio-visual equipment in classrooms and laboratories.

Composition of E-waste
The composition of electronic waste (e-waste) can vary depending on the type
of device and its components. In general, e-waste contains a mixture of
materials including:
1. Metals: E-waste often contains valuable metals such as copper, gold,
silver, and aluminium.
2. Plastics: Many electronic devices contain plastic components, including
casings, insulation, and cables. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) which are flame retardants that
 are mixed into plastics and other components
3. Glass: Electronic devices often contain glass components, such as screens
and lenses.
4. Circuit boards: Many electronic devices contain circuit boards, which
contain a mixture of metals and other materials.
5. Batteries: Some electronic devices contain batteries, which can contain
hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.
6. Other hazardous materials: E-waste may also contain other hazardous
materials, such as flame retardants, heavy metals, and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs).
7. Mobile phone contains more than 40 elements, base metals such as
copper (Cu) and tin (Sn); special metals such as lithium (Li) cobalt (Co),
indium (In), and antimony (Sb); and precious metals such as silver (Ag),
gold (Au), and palladium (Pd) .
8. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units contain ozone
diminishing Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
9. The prominent materials such as barium, cadmium, copper, lead, zinc,
and other rare earth metals are contained in end-of-life (EOL) cathode ray
tubes (CRTs) in computer monitors, and televisions.
10.For example, items such as leaded glass provide protection against X-rays
produced in the picture projection process in CRTs.
11.The average lead in CTR monitors is 1.6-3.2 kg.

Characteristics of E-waste:

The characteristics of electronic waste (e-waste) can include:

1. Complexity: E-waste often contains a complex mixture of materials,

making it challenging to recycle and dispose of properly.
2. Hazardousness: E-waste can contain hazardous materials such as heavy
metals, flame retardants, and batteries, which can pose significant
environmental and health risks.
 3. Volatility: E-waste is a rapidly growing waste stream due to the
increasing use of electronic devices and the limited lifespan of many
electronic products.
4. Global issue: E-waste is a global issue, as electronic devices are
manufactured, used, and discarded worldwide.
5. Resource depletion: The extraction of raw materials for electronic
devices contributes to resource depletion, and the improper disposal of e-
waste can lead to environmental contamination and waste of valuable
resources.
6. Environmental and health impacts: Improper disposal of e-waste can
lead to significant environmental and health impacts, including soil and
water contamination, air pollution, and harm to human health.
Need of E- Waste Management:

E-waste management is necessary because it helps to address several

environmental, health, and resource-related concerns, including:

 Protecting the environment: E-waste contains toxic substances, such as

lead, mercury, and cadmium, that can have harmful effects on the
environment and human health if not properly managed.
 Conserving resources: E-waste contains valuable resources, such as
metals, that can be recovered and reused through proper recycling.
 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The production of new electronic
products releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the
atmosphere. Proper recycling and disposal of e-waste can reduce the
environmental impact of electronic products.
 Reducing landfilling: Landfilling of electronic waste can result in the
release of toxic materials into the environment and contribute to soil and
water pollution.
 Protecting public health: Improper handling and disposal of e-waste can
expose workers and the general public to hazardous materials and cause
serious health problems.
 E-waste can be toxic, is not biodegradable and accumulates in the
environment, in the soil, air, water and living things.
 Causes air pollution, Soil pollution and water pollution.
 Electronic Recycling Promotes Soil Fertility and Maintain Nutrient.
 E-waste management programs aim to promote responsible recycling and
disposal of electronic waste and minimize the release of hazardous
 materials into the environment. This helps to protect the environment,
conserve resources, and promote public health and safety.
Toxic materials used in manufacturing Electronic and Electrical products.

Electronic and electrical products can contain a variety of toxic materials,

including:

1. Lead: Lead is a toxic heavy metal commonly used in the manufacture of

batteries, computer monitors, and other electronic components.
2. Mercury: Mercury is used in some fluorescent lights, batteries, and other
electronic devices.
3. Cadmium: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal used in rechargeable
batteries, pigments, and plastic stabilizers.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a common plastic used in electronic
cables and other components. It can release toxic chemicals, such as
dioxins, when burned or during disposal.
5. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs): BFRs are used in the
manufacture of electronic products to prevent fires. However, they are
toxic and can harm the environment and human health.
6. Barium: Barium is used in some electronic components, including
cathode ray tubes.
7. Rechargeable Batteries contains Lithium is used in batteries, but it can
be toxic if not handled properly. Cadmium, Lead, Sodium, Lithium,
Nickel etc.,
8. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are toxic chemicals that were widely used as
coolants and solvents in electronic products, such as refrigerators, air
conditioners. They cause ozone depletion.

Health hazardous due to exposure of e waste:

Exposure to electronic waste (e-waste) can have serious health consequences,
including:

 Poisoning: E-waste can contain toxic substances, such as lead, cadmium,

and mercury, that can cause poisoning if they enter the body.

 Respiratory problems: Exposure to dust and fumes generated during the

dismantling and disposal of e-waste can cause respiratory problems, such
as asthma and bronchitis.

 Neurological effects: Exposure to toxic substances in e-waste, such as

lead and mercury, can cause neurological effects, including memory loss,
 tremors, and coordination problems.
 Reproductive problems: Exposure to toxic substances in e-waste, such
as cadmium, can cause reproductive problems, including infertility and
birth defects.
 Cancer: Exposure to carcinogenic substances, such as dioxins and
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), found in e-waste, can increase the risk
of cancer.
It is important to effectively manage e-waste to minimize the exposure of
workers and the public to hazardous materials and to prevent serious health
problems.
NEED FOR E WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCRENING GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

e-waste management is an important global concern due to address

environmental, health, and economic concerns and to ensure that electronic
waste is disposed of in a responsible and sustainable manner.
1. Environmental impact: Improper disposal of e-waste can result in release of
toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment, causing
soil, air and water pollution.

2. Resource depletion: E-waste contains valuable materials such as gold, silver

and copper that can be recovered and recycled. This can help to conserve
natural resources and reduce the need for new resource extraction.

3. Health risks: E-waste can pose health risks to workers involved in the
informal recycling sector and to communities living near e-waste dump sites.

4. Data security: E-waste can contain sensitive personal information and

confidential business data that could be exploited if not properly managed.

5. Economic benefits: Proper e-waste management can create job opportunities

and generate revenue from the sale of recovered materials.

6. Rapid growth of electronics industry: India is one of the fastest growing

electronics markets in the world, leading to a growing volume of e-waste.

7. Lack of proper disposal infrastructure: In many parts of India, there is a

lack of proper facilities and infrastructure for the disposal and management of e-
waste.
Therefore, it is important to implement effective e-waste management policies
and practices globally to address these issues.

E waste recycling:

Explain process recycling of e waste?

The process of e-waste recycling typically involves the following steps:

1. Collection and transportation: E-waste is collected from various

sources such as households, businesses, and recycling facilities. It is then
transported to a recycling plant for processing.

2. Sorting and dismantling: E-waste is sorted into different categories

based on the type of material and the manufacturer. The recyclers then
dismantle the devices to separate the valuable materials from the
hazardous components.

3. Shredding: The e-waste is shredded into smaller pieces to make it easier

to separate the different materials. The shredded pieces are then sorted
into different categories based on their composition.

4. Separation: The valuable materials, such as metals, plastics, and glass,

are separated from the other components through a series of physical and
chemical processes.

5. Processing: The separated materials are processed to remove any

impurities and contaminants, and to prepare them for reuse. For example,
metals are smelted to produce pure metal alloys, while plastics are melted
and molded into new products.

6. Disposal of hazardous waste: The hazardous components of e-waste,

such as batteries and LCDs, are properly disposed of to prevent pollution
and health hazards.
E waste recycling and recovery different approaches (recycling, separation

and thermal treatments)

Enrichment of valuable metals through removal of non-essential and non-

recyclable fractions is the first step in recycling e-waste.

E-waste recycling and recovery can be achieved through different approaches,

including separation and thermal treatments.

DISASSEMBLY: dismantling of the E waste to collect individual components.

These components are sorted to different batches of metals, plastics, ceramics,
paper, wood and categories like capacitors, batteries, LCDs, PCBs to shred them
into further small pieces (e.g. 0.177 mm to 5 cm) using mechanical processes

Separation:

The processed e-waste is enriched for recovery by finally separating them into
metallic and non-metallic fractions using magnetic, current-based, or density
separation techniques

This involves physically separating different components of e- waste, such as

metals, plastics, and circuit boards. This can be done manually or through
automated processes, and the separated materials can then be processed further
for recycling or disposal. Such as using specialized equipment to sort materials
 by density, size, or magnetic properties. Some common examples of e-waste
components that are separated during the recycling process include:

Electrostatic separation: Electrostatic separation is a process that uses

electrostatic charges to separate crushed particles of material.

Magnetic separation
A disks separator, that ensures heterogeneity of the magnetic field, was used for
magnetic separation. In this type of separator, the difference in the magnetic
susceptibility of various materials was used. The separator allowed to separate
the material by means of two different magnetic forces produced by two
electromagnets. The currents supplying two electromagnets were 2 and 2.7 A,
respectively. Thus, the magnitude of the magnetic forces in the separator was a
parameter that improves the separation of materials. Additionally, at the
beginning of the separator there was a permanent magnet that captured the
ferromagnetic material.

Eddy current separators

 This system has a conveyor belt with a magnetic rotor at one end.
 This rotor, rotating very rapidly, generates a strong magnetic field.
 When the non-ferrous metal reaches the vicinity of the magnetic field, it is
propelled to the outside of the machine, while the inert materials fall by
gravity along the normal path in another container.
  Ferrous metals are themselves attracted by the strong magnetic field and
unloaded below the separator, so as to be recovered.

Sink-Float by Heavy Medium

 Sink-float is a gravity method for separating particles with different
densities. By employing a medium with a density about 3000 kg/m3,
particles, like Al, which has a density lower than that of the medium float;
particles with a higher density, like Cu and Pb, sink.

Kinetic Gravity Separation

 The concept of kinetic gravity separation (KGS) is the differences among
particles on terminal velocity. Particles are fed at some point in a stream of
fluid that is flowing in a horizontal direction

Thermal treatments: E-waste thermal treatment refers to the use of high

temperatures to recover valuable metals and other materials from electronic

waste. This process can include incineration or other pyrometallurgical

techniques, and typically involves melting down the waste to separate the metal

components. The separated metals can then be recovered and reused. Thermal

treatment can be an effective method for e-waste recycling.

 Main aim e waste volume reduction

 Thermal treatment involves the application of heat to treat and decompose

waste materials through different approaches.

 Open Burning- pollution

 Incineration- Special equipment's - controlled oxygen- recovery of heat

and energy

 Extremely Toxic Pollutants With Neurotoxins And Carcinogens

 Gasification and pyrolysis- waste materials are allowed to decompose

under low oxygen levels and very high temperatures.
  Pyrolysis is undertaken in the absence of oxygen to convert the wastes into
fumes, oils, and charcoal - Value added products

 Gasification allows a considerably low amount of oxygen in the process.

 The emissions are low in comparison to the other thermal treatment methods

Hydrometallurgical extraction of E waste:

E-waste hydrometallurgical extraction is a process used to extract valuable

metals and other materials from electronic waste through chemical reactions in
aqueous solutions. The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Pre-treatment: This involves the fragmentation and size reduction of

electronic waste to prepare it for further processing.
2. Leaching: The e-waste is treated with chemical reagents in a solution to
dissolve the metals and other materials, creating a leachate.

Leaching is a process widely used in extractive metallurgy where e waste is

treated with chemicals to convert the valuable metals mainly copper, silver, and
lead into soluble salts.

Inorganic acid leaching

2M + 2H2SO4 + O2 2M2+ + 2SO4

3M + 8HNO3 3M(NO3)2 + 4H2O + 2NO(g)

2M + 2HCl 2MCl2 + H2 (g)

In many cases Nitric acid was selected as the leaching solution since it has fast
leaching kinetics and it has the capability to selectively form stable complexes
with the metals of interest but not with other metals that are more economically
attractive, such as gold.
Inorganic acids, mainly sulfuric acid (H2SO4), have been shown to be effective
lixiviants, achieving extractions near 100%. However, they are used in
combination with strong oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid,
which increase the dissolution of other metals, producing a non-selective process

More eco-friendly and lower toxicity lixiviants organic acids such as lactic
(C3H6O3), malic (C4H6O5), oxalic (C2H2O4), citric (C6H8O7),
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and
diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) have been employed for e-waste
treatment
In the case of copper, the common hydrometallurgical recovery method includes

chemical leaching in sulphuric, nitric, or hydrochloric acids combined with

different oxidants such as air, ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, or hydrogen peroxide.

The leaching process in these acidic media has been extensively studied.

In the presence of iron (III), copper can be leached via the redox

mechanism

Cu + 2Fe3+ → Cu2+ + 2Fe2+

Adsorption
Due to the relatively low concentration of gold within electronic waste, pre-
concentration steps can be required to obtain concentrated gold solutions for
further processing.

To this aim, several methods can be used including activated carbon ion exchange
resins and organic adsorbents.

Commercial activated carbon, which is typically produced from coconut shells,

becomes activated after burning as oxygen interacts with the external C–C
bonds creating adsorption sites. It is a good adsorbent for gold solutions as it is
stable at high temperatures and, in both acid and alkali conditions.
3. Separation: The leachate is then processed to separate and purify the metals
and other materials, through methods such as precipitation or ion exchange.

Ion exchange process

Ion exchange is a reversible chemical reaction wherein an ion from a solution is

exchanged for a similarly charged ion attached to an immobile solid particle.
The ion exchange process has been studied as an alternative method for Cu
extraction. Cu2+ will replace Na+ during the ion exchange process. The ion
exchange reaction that occurs in Cu2+ solution can be expressed as follows

2R−SO3Na (Sulphonate) + Cu2+ ⇌ (R−SO3)2Cu + 2Na+

4. Recovery:

Electrorefining

Electrorefining is a process in which materials, usually metals, are purified by

means of an electrolytic cell. The anode is the impure metal and the cathode is a
very pure sample of the metal.

Electrowinning

Electrowinning is the process of depositing a metal via reduction onto a cathode

from a leachate using an electrical current. Hydrometallurgy methods of metal

recovery from e-waste often results in a mixed metal leachate containing several

metal species that can be electrowon such as copper, nickel, zinc, and gold. The

reduction potential of a metal species determines the ease of which it will be

electrowon from solution. If species with similar reduction potentials exist in the

same solution, selective electrowinning becomes problematic, particularly in the

case of e-waste leaching.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hydrometallurgical extraction is a more environmentally friendly alternative to

thermal treatments, as it generates less hazardous waste and can be more easily

regulated to minimize environmental impact.

pyrometallurgical methods E-waste recycling:

E-waste pyrometallurgical methods refer to the process of extracting valuable

metals and other materials from electronic waste using high temperatures. These
methods include:

Pyrometallurgical processes
 Pyrometallurgy is a branch of extractive metallurgy.
 Pyrometallurgy involves recovery of base metal and precious metal recovery
from e-waste.
 In the pyrometallurgy process, the crushed scraps are liquefied in a furnace or
in a molten bath to remove plastics.
 Pyrometallurgy uses high-temperature processes in oxidative or reductive
conditions to bring about physical and chemical transformations and to recover
the metals of interest.
 In these processes, metals are separated based on their chemical and
metallurgical properties.
 Pyrometallurgy process to recover nonferrous and precious metals from
electronic waste.
 Pyrometallurgical processing involves incineration, and smelting in a plasma
arc furnace, drossing (Dross is a waste product taken off molten metal during
smelting, essentially metallic in character), sintering, and melting at high
temperatures.
Smelting is a process of applying heat to an ore, to extract a base metal
It is used to extract many metals from their ores, including silver, iron, copper,
and other base metals.
Smelting uses heat and a chemical- reducing agent to decompose the ore, driving
off other elements as gases or slag and leaving the metal base behind.
The reducing agent is commonly a fossil fuel source of carbon, such as coke
The oxygen in the ore binds to carbon at high temperatures

Roasting
Roasting consists of thermal gas–solid reactions, which can include oxidation,
reduction, chlorination, sulfation, and pyrohydrolysis.

Refining
Refining is a method of removing impurities in order to obtain metals of high
purity. The impurities are removed from crude metal by various methods based
on the properties of the metal and the properties of impurities. Some methods
involved in the purification of crude metal are:

 Distillation
 Liquation
 Electrolysis
 Zone refining
 Vapour phase refining
 Chromatographic methods

Direct recycling of e waste:

Direct recycling of e-waste refers to the process of recovering valuable
materials from electronic waste without the need for intermediate processing
steps. This can include processes such as shredding, granulating, and sorting,
which are used to separate the different components of e-waste, such as metals,
plastics, and glass. The separated materials are then processed to extract the
valuable components and prepare them for reuse.
Advantages of direct recycling:

Several advantages over other methods of e-waste recycling, including lower

energy inputs, lower environmental impact, and the potential for higher quality
end products.

By combining direct recycling with other methods, such as chemical and

pyrometallurgical processing, it is possible to maximize the recovery of
valuable materials from electronic waste and minimize the environmental
impact of e-waste management.

Extraction of gold from e-waste (Explain the Principle and experimental

procedure):

Principle: The principle behind the extraction of gold from e-waste is based on
the fact that gold is a relatively non-reactive metal, which allows it to be
recovered from complex electronic waste matrices through a series of chemical
and physical processes.
Experimental procedure:
1. Collection and segregation of e-waste: The first step involves collecting
and segregating the e-waste into different categories, such as computer
motherboards, cell phones, and other electronic devices.
2. Physical separation: The e-waste is physically separated into different
components, such as plastics, metals, and glass.
 3. Leaching: The metals, including gold, are leached from the e-waste using
a suitable reagent, such as aqua regia (a mixture of hydrochloric acid and
nitric acid), to dissolve the gold.
Au + HNO3 + 4HCl → HAuCl4 + NO + 2H2O
4. Precipitation: The dissolved gold is then precipitated out of the solution
through the addition of a suitable reducing agent, such as sodium
metabisulfite.
2H[AuCl4] + 3Na2S2O5 + 3H2O → 2Au + 3SO2 + 3Na2SO4 + 8HCl
5. Purification: The precipitated gold is then purified through processes such
as ion exchange, electrowinning, or distillation, to remove impurities and
improve its quality.
6. Recovery: The purified gold is then recovered for reuse.
Advantages:
High yield expected.

Faster extraction of gold is possible.

Disadvantages:

Chemicals are used.

Acid residues are not disposed of properly, which harms the environment.

Flow chart:

E-waste (computer motherboards, cell phones, etc.) -> Physical separation ->
Leaching (aqua regia) -> Precipitation (sodium metabisulfite) -> Purification
(ion exchange, electrowinning, distillation) -> Recovery (purified gold)

Role of stakeholders in the environmental management of e-waste: Who

are called stakeholders – a local and global perspective:

The role of stakeholders in the environmental management of e-waste can vary

depending on the stakeholder and their level of involvement.
From a local perspective, stakeholders in the environmental management of e-
waste may include:
  Governments: responsible for creating and enforcing regulations and
policies to manage e-waste, as well as promoting public awareness and
education about e-waste management.
 Manufacturers: responsible for the design, production, and disposal of
electronic products, and may be involved in the collection and recycling
of e-waste.
 Consumers: responsible for properly disposing of e-waste and making
informed choices about the purchase of electronic products.
 E-waste recyclers and processors: responsible for the safe and
responsible management of e-waste, including the collection,
dismantling, and recycling of electronic waste.
 Environmental organizations: responsible for advocating for
sustainable and responsible e-waste management practices and raising
public awareness about e-waste issues.
 Community groups: responsible for organizing and participating in e-
waste recycling programs and events and promoting awareness of e-waste
issues in the local community.
From a global perspective, stakeholders in the environmental management of
e-waste may include:

 International organizations: such as the United Nations, World Trade

Organization, and the International Telecommunication Union, that are
responsible for setting global standards for e-waste management and
promoting cooperation and collaboration among countries.
 Transnational corporations: responsible for the design, production, and
distribution of electronic products on a global scale, and have a
significant impact on e-waste management practices.
 Global e-waste trade networks: responsible for the transportation and
processing of e-waste between countries and may impact the
environmental and health outcomes of e-waste management.
 Governments of developed and developing countries: responsible for
creating and enforcing regulations and policies to manage e-waste, as
well as promoting public awareness and education about e-waste
management.
 Environmental organizations: responsible for advocating for
sustainable and responsible e-waste management practices and raising
public awareness about e-waste issues on a global scale.
  International community: including consumers, NGOs, and civil
society organizations, that can raise awareness about e-waste issues,
demand responsible e-waste management practices, and push for change at
the international level.
Role of stakeholders - producers, consumers, recyclers, and statutory
bodies.
In the management of electronic waste (e-waste), the following stakeholders
play important unique role in the management of e-waste:
1. Producers - are responsible for designing and producing electronic
products and may also be involved in the collection and recycling of e-
waste.
2. Consumers - play a crucial role in the responsible disposal of e-waste
and making informed choices about the purchase of electronic products.
3. Recyclers - are responsible for safely and responsibly managing e-waste,
including the collection, dismantling, and recycling of electronic waste.
4. Statutory bodies - such as governments, are responsible for creating and
enforcing regulations and policies to manage e-waste and promoting
public awareness and education about e-waste management.
Self-learning: Impact of heavy metals on environment and human health.
Heavy metals are considered toxic, non-biodegradable, and persist in the
environment for a long time. When released into the environment, heavy metals
can cause significant damage to the environment and harm human health.
Environmental impact:
1. Soil contamination: Heavy metals can contaminate the soil through
industrial activities, agriculture, and mining operations. This can lead to a
decline in soil fertility and reduce the quality of crops grown in the area.
2. Water pollution: Heavy metals can contaminate water bodies through
industrial discharge, agriculture, and sewage discharge. This can lead to
the death of aquatic life and affect the quality of drinking water.
3. Air pollution: Heavy metals can enter the atmosphere through industrial
emissions and natural sources. This can cause respiratory problems and
other health issues for people and wildlife in the area.
4. Food contamination: Heavy metals can enter the food chain through
contaminated water and soil. This can lead to the accumulation of heavy
metals in the food, which can pose a threat to human health.
Health impact:
1. Chronic exposure to heavy metals can lead to serious health problems,
including neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.
2. Children are more susceptible to heavy metal toxicity, as they are still
developing, and their bodies are more susceptible to damage.
3. Heavy metals can cause respiratory problems, such as bronchitis, asthma,
and emphysema.
4. They can also lead to developmental problems in children, including
reduced IQ and behavioral issues.