E-waste dangers in the Philippines

This road is in Manila, The Philippines. There are hundreds of workers here. They're working with old electronic objects. For example, they break laptops into pieces. They're looking for aluminium and other metals. They can sell them.

But the work isn't safe. The workers sometimes burn the objects. That means the air's very dirty. They have many health problems. Some are serious, like cancer. And children often become ill too.

Rosana Milan's the doctor there.

Rosana Milan: "It's very risky for the babies, the toddlers, and even the schoolchildren because they're exposed to those kind of chemicals. Because while their father is working, no one to tend for the children".

Dexter Barsigan spent 13 years doing this job. Three years ago his hands started hurting. He has an eye problem too. These days, he sometimes has to watch his wife and nephew work.

Dexter Barsigan: "I will continue this kind of work for our daily needs. I'll choose my children over my health. I would rather sacrifice my health for my children."

Each year, the Philippines produces 40 million kilogrammes of electronic waste.

These workers need training. They should have special equipment too. One organisation's helping. 'Medicins du Monde' is getting equipment for the workers, like face masks and gloves.

This woman's from the organisation. She says the workers have to put food first.

Eva Lecat: "And them struggling with earning enough money just to feed their family, this is not their first priority. You know, health is clearly not their first priority. Their priority is to have food on the table." View Less