Human health has always been a mystery to scientists and doctors who examine the capabilities that can sprout from the human body. Whether it is how people heal faster than others, how their body changes unexpectedly, or how they mutate, all these events come from genetics. “Genetics, the science of genes and how traits get passed down”(1). Although, as of today, human genetics are made the way they are, in the future, that might not be the case as the things we do in this world, especially the things we do with technology, can affect the future.

The problem today is how people are indulged in modern technology. Although from the outside, technology is a big step for the planet to exceed limitations in terms of assisting people, some problems are shunned. These problems harm the environment, leading to mutations within the human genome. For example, e-waste is a term used to describe old and non-functioning electrical equipment such as phones, laptops, or computers. These wastes go to landfills, and according to The World Counts, “We generate about 50 million tons of e-waste each year, which is the equivalent of throwing out 1,000 laptops every second… 12.5% of e-waste is recycled, and 85% of that are sent to be burnt and release toxins into the atmosphere. (2). What these toxins can cause is harm to the DNA and human genome. According to the National Institute of Health, “Most studies showed elevated levels of DNA damage biomarkers among e-waste exposed populations than in control populations.”(3). 

One of the six results was chromosomal aberration, which affects both autosomes and sex chromosomes (4). Chromosomal aberration can cause miscarriages, diseases, stunted growth, or mutations (5). This instance of e-waste pollution is one of technology's problems on the world, humans, and their DNA. Although this is a detrimental problem for the present, it will affect future generations. “CTA says the U.S. consumer technology will grow 2.8% in 2024 to $512 billion (up $14 billion from 2023). (6)” and “Every year, 1.4 billion mobile phones are produced around the world.. (7)” This evidence is the amount of growth that technology is increasing. Today, technology is being utilized everywhere, and there is no stopping the advancement of technology to try and grow to its maximum potential. However, if time passes and technology becomes more potent and grows, the amount of e-waste or other effects will increase significantly and be disposed of inefficiently. “E-waste is buried or incinerated in landfills where their toxins pollute our land, air, and water. Most of the time, they are sent to developing countries where workers extract the precious metals from the discarded electronics. (2)”. These types of studies are essential to look at because although, in theory, technology is beneficial, it will destroy the population in various ways. The future environment that will be filled with technology, more than what the planet has now, will interplay genetics and destroy modern human health. From the perspective of chromosomal aberration, numerous children and newborns will be affected, and the birthrate of healthy children will decrease. Human genetics can not keep up with the growing pace of technology. According to the New Scientist, “It takes a million generations or more to evolve lasting changes. (8)”.  From this, people can see how much impact the world of technology can have on future generations. 

Human health has always been a way for scientists to discover new things about the human body and how the environment can affect people, such as technology. For decades, people did not know smoking was a health risk. However, when researchers and scientists started to experiment with cigarettes, they found out about the dangers that come with smoking. Even though many know the health risks of smoking, people are too engrained with the culture. Now, the earth is in a similar place with technology and e-waste. Despite knowing the risks, people will continuously buy and throw away technology that will endanger the near future. 

Citation/References:

(1) What is genetics?: AMNH. American Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). amnh.org/explore/ology/genetics/what-is-genetics 

(2) The world counts. (2024). Electron-waste-facts theworldcounts.com/stories/electronic-waste-facts 

(3) Issah, I. (n.d.). Electronic waste exposure and DNA damage: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reviews on environmental health. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34727591 

(4) Milani, D. A. Q. (2023, April 24). Genetics, chromosome abnormalities. StatPearls [Internet]. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557691/#:~:text=A%20chromosomal%20abnormality%2C%20or%20chromosomal,%2C%20sex%20chromosomes%2C%20or%20both 

(5) Alliance, G. (2009a, July 8). Chromosomal abnormalities. Understanding Genetics: A New York, Mid-Atlantic Guide for Patients and Health Professionals. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK115545/ 

(6) Association, C. T. (2024, January 5). Consumer Technology Association Forecast: U.S. Tech Industry Revenue to rise 2.8% in 2024. PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring, and marketing. prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumer-technology-association-forecast-us-tech-industry-revenue-to-rise-2-8-in-2024--302027266.html#:~:text=CTA%20says%20the%20U.S.%20consumer,up%20%2414%20billion%20from%202023 

(7) Mr Alan Williams. Senior Media and Communications Officer. Communication Services (Marketing and Communications) 14 March 2019. (n.d.). Scientists use a blender to reveal what’s in our smartphones. University of Plymouth. plymouth.ac.uk/news/scientists-use-a-blender-to-reveal-whats-in-our-smartphones 

(8) Lawton, G. (2022, June 15). How long does evolution take? It happens on two different timescales. New Scientist. newscientist.com/article/mg25433910-900-how-long-does-evolution-take-it-happens-on-two-different-timescales/