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Scrap dealers engaged in the dismantling of electronic waste such as computers, popularly referred to as a e-waste, are exposing themselves to various forms of diseases, including cancer and respiratory disorders, as a result of the lead in the waste. This had become an Environmental nightmare for traders and others whose offices are located on the Old Fadama Road, because the health implications for those engaged in the practice is dire, according to officials of the Public Health Department of the Accra metropolitan Assembly (AMA). Consequently, the department, in conjunction with Green Peace, a non-governmental organisation, has met with those engaged in the illegal activity at the Agbogbloshie market in Accra in a bid to sensitise them to the implication of their actions. Electronic waster can be defined as electronic equipment or products which operate on electric power or batteries but have become obsolete due to advancement in technology, changes in fashion, style and status and neared the end of their useful life. Agbogbloshie has become a hub for obsolete and disused electronic gadgets such as computers, servicers, television sets, cellular phones, fridges, scanner, fax machines, air conditioners, and microwave ovens. Currently, there are hundreds of youth and adults engaged in the dismantling of this electronic waste at the Agbogbloshie market but one activity that has become a menace to traders and offices around the area is the burning of electronic gadgets in search of silicon. In his presentation at the sensitization programme, the Head of Public Health, Mr Wisdom Aditsey said some of the waste such as batteries, switches, thermostats and florescent lamps contained mercury, which, when not properly handled, could cause in severe brain and liver damage. According to him, the burning of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is one of the most widely used plastics, could cause respiratory disorders as it contained 56 per cent chlorine, which when burnt, produces large quantities of hydrogen chloride gas. This is hazardous because it can lead to respiratory problems when inhaled,� he said. For those engaged in the soldering of electrical and electronic items, they risk constant vomiting, diarrheoa, convulsions, coma or even death. For others, they can suffer minimal effects such as appetite loss, abdominal pain, constipation, sleeplessness, irritability and headache. The continuous exposure to lead, however, can cause nervous connections, as well as blood and brain disorders. �It can also affect the kidneys and is particularly dangerous for young children as they may have problems with reading or learning,� he stated. He said this electronic waste also contained cadmium components, which may also have serious impacts on the kidney when burnt. Because it can be accumulated in the body for a long time cadmium can easily cause symptoms of poisoning, he said. Acute exposure to cadmium fumes causes flu-like symptoms of weakness, fever, headache, chills sweating and muscular pains. The primary health risks of long-term exposure are long cancer and kidney damage. Cadmium also is believed to cause pulmonary emphysema and bone disease. The burning of electronic cables and other electrical components in order to melt off plastic and reclaim the copper wires negatively affects the environment as toxic chemicals are released into the atmosphere.