Thousands of informal e-waste workers in India are facing serious health risks as they dismantle discarded electronic devices without proper safety equipment. Workers in hubs such as Mustafabad in New Delhi routinely handle toxic materials with bare hands and often burn components to extract valuable metals like copper.
The process exposes workers to hazardous chemicals and frequently causes burns, respiratory issues and other long-term health problems. Despite the dangers, many workers continue in the trade due to economic necessity.
Informal workers typically earn only a few dollars a day for long hours of labour, often without gloves, masks or any protective gear. Experts warn that the hidden costs of the industry include chronic illnesses, environmental pollution and prolonged exposure to toxic substances for workers and surrounding communities.
