Lethal Cadmium linked to a shift in e-waste recycling from China to Thailand since 2017

[webfact]

However, environmental activist groups are aware of the ongoing threat. E-waste imports into Thailand have rocketed by over 2100% since 2017. This was when China outlawed the industry outright on its soil. On Wednesday, 19 workers in Samut Sakhon were tested by medics and found to have dangerously high levels of the cancer-causing substance. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (centre) reacted decisively this week to the crisis regarding 13,450 tons of lethal cadmium shipped illegally from Tak province to various locations in Thailand. (Inset left) On Wednesday, investigators found more of the toxic substance at a sealed-off factory in Samut Sakhon. In the meantime, Prime Minister Srettha ordered Industry Minister Pimpatra Wichaikul (inset right) to personally oversee emergency efforts.

Thailand’s toxicity crisis is linked to the shift of e-waste processors to the kingdom. Cadmium scare shocks Thailand with health fears for workers in Samut Sakhon. A massive 13,450 tons were finally thought to be accounted for. The PM orders urgent and tough action. However, is he ready to tackle the e-waste industry? Banned in China, it is now threatening the health of Thai workers and an already scarred environment in provinces throughout Thailand. 

 

Thailand must again look at its industrial development policies as well as regulatory oversight and enforcement. This comes as it appears the kingdom is being used as a new base by illegal e-waste recyclers from China. The massive cadmium scare, this week, which even led to the Royal Thai Army producing an emergency plan, is certainly not a once-off. Thai authorities led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Industry Minister Pimpatra Wichaikul were left scrambling to deal with the emergency involving the lethal carcinogen, Cadmium. 13,450 tons of the substance was discovered missing from a disposal plant in Tak province. In turn, this led to finds in Samut Sakhon, Chonburi and even Bangkok.

 

Thai authorities may well be forced to reexamine the country’s industrial regulations following an exploding scandal linked to e-waste.

 

It comes with the proliferation of such factories in recent years, many of them established by Chinese owners. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin promised urgent action to stamp out the threat from e-waste to exposed local populations.

 

by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-11

 

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[1duckyboy]

With ewaste banned in China, Thailand is now China's ewaste toilet. 

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

This comes as it appears the kingdom is being used as a new base by illegal e-waste recyclers from China.

And people in Thailand willing to take it.