As India embarks on a route of fast economic growth, environmental concerns are increasing. Environmental degradation from rising toxicity, waste, and contamination of soil, water, air and resulting health deterioration are becoming important challenges. In the last decade, Heavy Metals and E-waste have emerged as serious environmental concerns globally and also in India. Amongst heavy metals, Lead and Mercury in particular have taken priority as they have wide usage and serious health and environmental impacts. Lack of awareness on these issues has made it critical here. However, the new paradigm can also be seen as an opportunity to improve legal frameworks, help make cleaner choices, improving the role of citizenry in environmental issues through raising levels of awareness and information and facilitating research, which can lead to more sustainable future.

Toxics Link will hold a two-day International Conference on Heavy metals and E-waste in India on 26-27th October 2009. This conference will attempt to bring together important international and national expertise and other stakeholders on the issues to collaborate on the development of research, policies and management strategies to direct the future.
The objective of the conference will be to enhance knowledge and capacity building on Lead, Mercury and E-waste in the country and the South Asian region.