Philippine E-Waste Dismantlers Prioritize Survival Over Health Risks

Manila, Philippines – E-waste dismantlers in the Philippines, often referred to as 'mambabaklas', face significant health risks while working in hazardous conditions to provide for their families. Dexter Barsigan, a 47-year-old dismantler, has spent over a decade stripping electronic waste for valuable metals. He reported that despite suffering from health issues, including blurred vision and aching hands, he continues to work to support his family. 'Dismantling helps us put food on the table. It provides the money to send my kids to school,' Barsigan stated while seated on Onyx Street, a hub for informal e-waste recycling operations.

The nature of their work often involves burning rubber wire casings, releasing toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the atmosphere. According to Irvin Cadavona, a hazardous waste management officer at the Philippine Environment Department, 'It poses serious threats to human health and the environment.' In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that exposure to e-waste chemicals can lead to respiratory ailments in children and increase risks for pregnant women, including stillbirth and premature delivery.

Dismantlers who operate in accredited facilities must adhere to strict regulations, yet many informal workers lack access to the necessary training and protective gear. Dr. Gelo Apostol, an environmental health specialist from Ateneo de Manila University, noted that dismantling e-waste is hazardous due to the intricate breakdown required to recycle these materials safely. He emphasized the severe health implications, including anemia and nerve damage, associated with exposure to toxic substances found in e-waste.

The Philippines ranks among the top e-waste producers in Southeast Asia, generating approximately 540 million kilograms of electronic waste in 2022, according to the United Nations’ Global E-waste Monitor. This presents a pressing challenge as informal dismantlers often prioritize immediate financial needs over long-term health risks. Dr. Apostol raised concerns about the lack of urgency in addressing the health impacts of e-waste, highlighting a significant gap in research specific to this community. 'What are we waiting for? To have nationwide data of people who died from e-waste before we take action?' he questioned.

A recent report from Médecins du Monde (MdM), a humanitarian organization providing support to these workers, revealed alarming health statistics. Dr. Rosana Milan, physician-in-charge at Pedro Gil Health Centre in Manila, reported that half of the 12,000 residents living near Onyx Street have been diagnosed with respiratory issues, predominantly affecting children. 'It’s very risky for the babies and toddlers,' she stated, as many of their ailments are linked to pollution from burning e-waste.

In response to these hazardous conditions, MdM is advocating for the formal recognition and regulation of informal e-waste workers to ensure their safety. Eva Lecat, the organization's general coordinator, stressed that health is not the primary concern for these workers; rather, their focus is on survival. In the face of such dire circumstances, Barsigan and his peers are caught in a cycle of poverty that forces them to choose between their health and the livelihood they depend on to support their families.

As the debate over e-waste management continues, the urgency for comprehensive policies and protective measures for informal workers grows. The situation of Philippine e-waste dismantlers serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between economic survival and health safety in the realm of hazardous waste management.