‘Daily cuts… infections’: India’s e-waste workers face toxic health risks
Summary
Many workers in India dismantle electronic waste by hand without safety gear, exposing themselves to harmful chemicals and injuries. India produces large amounts of e-waste, and much of it is handled informally by people who face serious health risks from toxic substances and unsafe working conditions.Key Facts
- India is the third-largest producer of electronic waste, after China and the United States.
- In 2025-2026, India generated over 1.4 million metric tonnes of e-waste, and about 979,000 metric tonnes were recycled.
- New Delhi produces about 230,000 metric tonnes of e-waste annually, nearly 10% of India’s total.
- Many e-waste workers work in informal workshops without protective gloves or masks.
- Workers often burn plastic and use blow torches to extract metals, releasing toxic fumes.
- They work long hours for low pay, approximately $8 per day for 12 hours of work.
- Health problems include burns, cuts, infections, and exposure to chemical residues.
- Women and men both work in these environments, often from poor or migrant backgrounds.
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