Electronic waste from Europe is burdening local communities with dioxins and other hazardous substances. Jindřich Petrlík, a toxic pollution expert and member of Arnika’s Executive Board, has therefore travelled directly into the field to collect samples of dust, soil, and food. These samples come from areas severely affected by the burning and hazardous processing of e-waste, which often takes place without adequate technology or regulation.
The hardest hit are the poorest communities, who are forced to live in these toxic environments. In collaboration with local organisations and academics, we are determining the true extent of the contamination – we have previously conducted similar research in countries such as Kenya. The results will demonstrate the severity of the e-waste crisis in these regions.
Photo: Ondřej Petrlík / Arnika
