Workers involved in recycling e-waste (especially those breaking cathode ray tubes) using rudimentary methods without any protective gear run the risk of inhaling particles that may contain barium oxide and phosphors. Those dealing with the shredding of bulbs, switches and lamps risk inhaling mercury contained in them. Brain damage is a side effect of exposure to mercury.

E-waste workers are also vulnerable to lead toxicity. Lead causes neurological damage, and long-term exposure to lead can severely damage kidneys and learning disability in children. Muscle and joint pains and high blood pressure are also some of the side effects of exposure to lead.

When a torch flame is used to burn e-waste, it releases Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR) into the air that can be inhaled by the worker burning them. Motherboards contain beryllium which is not only carcinogenic, but also causes skin warts and beryllium disease in which the lungs are affected because of exposure to beryllium.

Burning wires to extract copper releases dioxins and furans into the atmosphere. These are known carcinogens and in adults can adversely affect reproductive abilities and changes in glucose metabolism and the immune system. M.S.