AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Environmental group Greenpeace said Wednesday India and China must do more to ensure the safe removal of waste from electronic goods.
In its latest report on hazardous chemicals found in scrap yards where electronic waste is recycled in the two countries, Greenpeace found that both the workplace and the environment are being contaminated by toxic chemicals from used computers, cell phones, television sets and other electronic goods.
Entitled "Toxic Tech," the report "provides a compelling case for immediate action in both countries to address workplace health and safety issues, as well as waste management practices," Dr. Kevin Brigden, a Greenpeace International scientist, said in a news release. "The data reinforces the need for the electronics industry to eliminate the use of harmful substances in their products at the design stage and take responsibility for their products at the end of their lifecycle," he added.
The Amsterdam-based group said that as European nations in particular are becoming stricter in the recycling of hazardous waste, more of the toxic substances are being exported to Asia illegally.
