The rapid dumping of electronic waste in Ghana lately has not only become a source of business for the less privilege, but also it is now a problem to both our health and the environment.

A research contacted by Voices of Africa reveals that, these electrical gadgets such as computers, televisions, monitors, mobile phones which are being dump in the country contain some harzadous substances which include mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium and flame-retardant plastics.

It was discovered that being in direct contact with these substances or inhaling them can cause severe damage to the brain, nervous system, respiratory system, reproductive system, kidneys and cause cancer. As these substances continue to accumulate in the environment, they also have detrimental effects on plants, animals and micro-organisms.

Sadly enough, during a visit to the scrap yard in Agbogbloshie, a suburb in Accra, most of these scrap dealers who spoke off camera are ignorant of these potential hazards. They were busily burning some waste goods to retrieve items for sell.

They break the yokes from picture tubes, releasing cadmium and lead to the ground, thereby retrieving any parts that may be resalable.