Lucknow: Every day, hundreds of discarded mobile phones, laptops, televisions, batteries and other electronic gadgets are thrown away across the state capital. But with no authorised e-waste recycling facility in the city, much of this waste is handled by the informal sector, raising concerns about possible health risks for residents and workers alike.A recent study by researchers at King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has warned that unsafe disposal and recycling of electronic waste, or e-waste, can release toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium into the environment. These harmful metals can contaminate soil, water and air and have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, respiratory illnesses and developmental issues.The systematic review was led by Prof Shiuli Rathore from the department of forensic medicine and toxicology at KGMU.According to the study, people working in informal e-waste recycling units and those living nearby face the highest risk of exposure. Toxic metals can enter the body through contaminated dust, fumes, food and water. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, with exposure linked to developmental problems and pregnancy complications.The findings are significant for Lucknow, where electronic waste is generated by households as well as commercial hubs such as Naza Market, Naka Market, Amber Market and Hazratganj. Despite the growing volume of discarded electronics, the city does not have an authorised e-waste recycling plant.UP Pollution Control Board regional officer JP Mourya said only collectors and dismantlers operate in Lucknow, while recycling is carried out in Ghaziabad and Noida. As a result, scrap dealers and ragpickers often dismantle discarded electronics in residential localities without safety gear before valuable components are sent to authorised recyclers outside the city.Anil Singh Chauhan, who runs an authorised e-waste collection centre under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, said all collected e-waste has to be transported outside Lucknow because the city lacks a recycling facility.Researchers said several informal recycling practices, including open burning, acid leaching and manual dismantling, expose workers and nearby residents to hazardous chemicals and should be stopped. “Scientific e-waste processing units must be set up, as e-waste is often mixed with household garbage and ends up in landfills or informal workshops,” said researcher Ritu Rajput.Lucknow Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar said the electronics department is preparing guidelines and that the civic body will be able to take up e-waste processing once they are finalised.Environmentalist Shailendra Yadav urged the govt to establish authorised collection centres and a recycling plant in Lucknow, warning that the city’s growing e-waste burden could continue to threaten public health and the environment.
