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When I began my research on electronic waste in Pakistan, I quickly realized how deeply it touches both our environment and our daily lives. We live in an age where technology evolves faster than ever—phones, laptops, and televisions are replaced at a breathtaking pace. But what happens to the old ones? For many in developing nations like mine, the answer lies in informal recycling practices.

At first glance, these operations may seem like an economic lifeline: old electronics are dismantled, valuable metals are recovered, and nothing apparently goes to waste. Yet, what I saw beneath this surface was troubling. Informal methods; open burning of wires, acid baths for circuit boards, or dismantling without protective equipment, release toxic substances into our air, water, and soil.

My study, conducted across nine of Pakistan's mega-urban cities, focused on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the most commonly brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chemicals commonly found in electronic devices to prevent fires. These compounds, while effective for safety in our gadgets, pose risks when released into the environment.

I identified 32 informal e-waste recycling facilities across Pakistan and compared them with background locations. The , now published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, were eye-opening; concentrations of BFRs were six to ten times higher at recycling sites compared to unaffected areas.

Cities like Karachi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Lahore emerged as hotspots, showing the highest levels of contamination. One chemical in particular, BDE-209, stood out due to its persistence and toxicity.

While my exposure assessment showed that ingestion risks through soil were currently below international safety thresholds, this should not be taken as a relief. The real danger lies in the future. With e-waste growing rapidly and recycling still unregulated, Pakistan risks escalating exposure for workers and nearby communities. What is "safe" today may not remain so tomorrow.

As the first Pakistani researcher to investigate e-waste recycling at a national scale, I feel a deep responsibility to share these insights beyond the scientific community. This is not just a story about chemicals in the soil; it is about people, livelihoods, and the choices we make as a society.

Thousands of workers depend on informal recycling for income, often unaware of the invisible hazards around them. Children play in contaminated yards, women prepare food near burning wires, and communities carry the hidden cost of progress.

Addressing this challenge requires more than data. It calls for policy, awareness, and action. Pakistan currently lacks a formal mechanism for e-waste management, which means informal recycling remains the default.

My engagement with the Ministry of Climate Change and EPA Pakistan is one step toward shaping policies that protect both workers and the environment. But regulations alone are not enough—we need training, safer recycling technologies, and public education to shift behaviors.

Globally, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams. Pakistan alone generated more than half a million tons in 2022, and the number is rising each year. If nothing changes, informal recycling sites will continue to expand, spreading contamination silently into our ecosystems.

Through my research, I learned that science is not just about numbers; it is about stories. Behind every soil sample I analyzed was a worker with a family, a community striving for a livelihood, and a nation caught between progress and sustainability. My hope in sharing this work through platforms like Science X is to spark conversation: How do we balance economic needs with environmental health? How can developing nations adopt safer recycling methods without leaving vulnerable workers behind?

This is a challenge too great for any one researcher or policymaker to solve alone. But by acknowledging the problem, sharing knowledge, and working together across borders, I believe we can move toward solutions that protect both our planet and our people.

This story is part of , where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate.

Mureed Kazim is a researcher and e-waste management expert in Pakistan, specializing in the environmental and health impacts of informal e-waste recycling. As the first Pakistani to explore this issue nationwide during his PhD, he now contributes to policy and legislative efforts with Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and EPA. Kazim's mission is to bridge science, policy, and public awareness to build a safer and more sustainable future.