Electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) is the fastest
growing domestic waste stream in the world. The
problem is most severe where impoverished city
dwellers work in or live near informal dumps and
landfills. These unmonitored sites in low- and middleincome countries receive a large share of global ewaste. E-waste contains valuable materials, such as
gold and copper. E-waste can be harmful to the
health of humans and the environment if it is
recycled inappropriately and without sufficient
training, protection, infrastructure, equipment or
safeguards. Children are particularly vulnerable to
some of the toxicants found in, or produced by, ewaste and e-waste recycling activities..
The WHO Initiative on E-waste and Child Health, started in 2013 aims to increase access to the evidence and knowledge
base; spread greater awareness about the health impacts of e-waste; particularly in children; improve health sector
capacity; promote e-waste exposure monitoring; facilitate relevant research; and develop and test country-based pilot
initiatives to reduce e-waste related health risks. In June 2021, WHO published Children and digital dumpsites: e-waste
exposure and child health