Toxicity at the end of light

Title: Toxicity at the end of light
Publication Type: Research Reports
Year of Publication: 2022
Abstract:The production of electronic equipment is growing at a considerable rate globally. In India, the government expects electronics manufacturing to register an annual growth rate of 30% over the next five years. However, at the same time, the effective lifespan of those electronics is substantially reduced as technological advances, aesthetic preferences, marketing, and compatibility issues lead consumers to replace them long before their useful life is over. The technology changes have been evident in the case of lighting equipment markets. Though LED is taking over the market from CFLs and FTLs in recent times, mercury-containing lamps are still used in large numbers and are unlikely to be phased out anytime soon.With the lack of an effective and safe collection and recycling system for mercury-bearing lamps in India, it is critical to understand the existing fatal menace of mercury lamps, and their hazardous effects to the environment. In light of this, Toxics Link has undertaken a study to underline this issue and assess the current situation of handling mercury-containing lamp waste in India.