Every year, our world produces several million tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment known as « e-waste ». Although the United States and Europe are the biggest producers, it is developing, low-income countries which receive the bulk of them. So, in the Philippines, treatment of e-waste represents a major source of income for the country. But with no protective legislation and only two operational processing centres, much of this waste is handled unofficially by the «dismantlers of Manila».

These people and their families, including pregnant women and children, are exposed to toxic chemical substances and dangerous heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury.

These products, which have hitherto been handled without great care, pollute both the local environment and the living conditions of these communities. There are disastrous consequences for health: in the short term, these are primarily respiratory and skin problems, as well as injuries caused by the dismantling process. In the long term, these products cause neurological and immunological problems. They affect the reproductive system and are responsible for various cancers.