High amounts of lead, copper and tin have been found in sediment samples collected from two electronic waste recycling facilities in Chachoengsao, according to the Pollution Control Department.
Sumetha Wichianpet, director of management of hazardous waste and substances, said while high levels of heavy metals do not have an "obvious" impact on the environment, a lack of measures to regulate electronic waste activity creates environmental hazards.
According to Mr Sumetha, high amounts of these heavy metals is the result of burning electronic circuits and release disposal of hazardous effluents.
However, relevant authorities have found nothing wrong with the water and soil samples collected near the two electronic waste handling and dumping units.
He said the new test results will be presented to authorities so that they can use it to review existing policies on electronic waste management and imports of electronic waste for recycling.
Mr Sumetha said decision-makers need to come up with a comprehensive plan to better protect the community's health and environment in order to avoid a health situation in Kalasin's Khong Chai district where improper recycling of scrap electronics is exposing local residents to a string of health issues.
