Electronic Waste Could Cause Heart Disease

Let's not waste carelessly used goods in your home electronics, such as computers, televisions or phones. In addition to damaging the environment, waste electronic goods could be a risk factor for heart disease and even cancer.

Not only damage the environment, waste electronic scrap (e-waste), it also can cause inflammation and oxidative stress (the amount of free radicals in the body exceeds the body's capacity to neutralize them) on the human body.

This was revealed from the results of research conducted with air samples collected from Taizhou, one of the largest electronic goods waste disposal in the region of China.

Researchers reveal that waste electronic goods such as computers, televisions or mobile phones can cause inflammation and oxidative stress which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, DNA damage and even cancer.

The study was intended to measure the impact of electronic waste on human lung epithelial cells. The researchers wanted to test the level of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) which is believed to play a role in inflammatory response, and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which is chemically reactive molecules that are capable of producing cell damage.

The researchers also tried to detect p53 gene expression. This gene acts as a tumor suppressor by synthesizing proteins that help prevent cell damage. Expression of this gene acts as an indicator of cell damage.

Researchers noted a significant increase in levels of IL-8 and ROS. The same developments were also observed in p53 protein levels. Risk of soluble organic pollutants appear to be much higher than the water-soluble pollutants.

"Both the inflammatory response (inflammation) and oxidative stress can cause DNA damage, which can lead to oncogenesis or even cancer. Of course, inflammatory response and oxidative stress are also associated with other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (blood vessels)," explains Dr. Yang Fangxing from Zhejiang University, as reported by Lifemojo, Thursday (02/06/2011).

Dr. Yang believes that the old techniques will definitely need some improvement. He also opposed the demolition of 'open' waste electronic goods and focus on the importance of proper protection methods for workers at the location. He also urged producers to consider environmental and human-friendly materials in production.