Question

What are the ethical problems on dumping (exporting dangerous or banned items to other countries)?

Give 2 detailed arguments ( at least 200 words)

Answer 1

The ethical problems on dumping:

1) If improperly disposed of, Electronic waste (E-wastes) can leach lead and other substances into soil and groundwater posing a threat to human health and the environment. E-waste includes discarded computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, fax machines, electric lamps, cell phones, audio equipment, and batteries. E-wastes are considered dangerous, as certain components of some of these electronic products contain materials; such as lead; that are hazardous, depending on their condition and density.

2)It is clearly unethical for the developed countries to dump their E-waste in developing ones. There are ethical problems involved with the methods of disposal that are currently applied.

(a) Incineration which generates and disperse contaminants and toxic substances,

(b) Open burning which releases many pollutants into the environment - Excessive pollution might lead to sterility, deformities, abortion, and chronic diseases.

(c) The landfill, where lead and mercury cause severe contamination in landfills besides these contaminations, can spread to groundwater resources.

It is thus apparent that the environmental and health impacts are of serious concern. The destruction of the environment prevents human beings from fulfilling the concept of vicegerency on earth. The rivers and lakes would be dead with no marine life. The acid rain would occur very frequently which would destroys the forests.