The problem

Guiyu is a cluster of five villages in the Guangdong province in southeast China. It has gained notoriety as a dumping ground for discarded computer hardware. Computer components are melted to extract precious metals such as gold and platinum and leftover waste burned or dumped openly or in the Lianjiang River. Environmentalists estimate there to be 2,500 computer waste businesses in the region employing as many as 100,000 people.

Health Impact

Guiyu has more incidences of miscarriages when compared to the rest of China according to a doctor from the local hospital. There are several cases a month. One teacher from the local school claimed that about 60% of the students and many teachers have respiratory problems. Skin and stomach problems are common ailments in the region.

Current Activity

On the backburner.

Want To Learn More?

• Ghosts in the Machines
• Recycling Of US High-Tech Trash Poisons Chinese Villages
• Where Computers Go To Die