Environmental risk assessment of E-waste in developing countries by using the modified-SIRA method

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Electronic waste (e-waste) is a growing global challenge, particularly for developing nations.
• Pakistan is a hub for e-waste recycling, often employing rudimentary methods with significant risks.
• Current e-waste recycling practices in Pakistan offer minimal financial returns while posing threats to the environment and society.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathways of e-waste entering Pakistan.
• To identify and assess the risks associated with the e-waste recycling industry.
• To evaluate the impact of these risks on the Pakistani population and industry sustainability.

Main Methods:

• Modified-Safety Improve Risk Assessment (Modified-SIRA) was employed to identify six key risks.
• Each risk was quantified using a calculated Total Risk Priority Number (TRPN).
• Fuzzy-VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (FVIKOR) was used to prioritize risks based on their impact on sustainability.

Main Results:

• Modified-SIRA identified six severe risks associated with e-waste recycling in Pakistan.
• Air pollution from e-waste recycling processes emerged as the most significant hazard to the population.
• The study highlighted public disregard for e-waste generated from increased electronics consumption.

Conclusions:

• Rudimentary and non-standardized recycling techniques hinder the sustainable financing of the e-waste industry.
• Air pollution is a critical threat to public health in Pakistan's e-waste sector.
• Implementing improved practices and methods is crucial for mitigating impacts and enhancing industry sustainability.