E-waste is hazardous because it contains toxic and harmful materials such as heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, polychlorinated-bi-phenyl (PCB), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and chromium (VI). There are three major physiological pathways to human bodies:
- ingestion of food, water, breast milk, soil and dust, including from dust-contaminated objects and surfaces;
- inhalation of aerosol gases and particles, including particulate matter from open burning;
- skin contact with corrosive substances and other chemicals.