Environmental Effects of E-Waste « Electronic Waste [ e Waste ] Recycling, Disposal & Management

Environmental Effects of E-Waste

Dangers of Electronic Waste: Many electronic devices contain high enough levels of toxic materials such as lead, barium, cadmium, and mercury that render them hazardous when disposed.

CADMIUM: breathing cadmium can severely damage the lungs and cause death.

LEAD: attacks the nervous system in both adults and children. A child who swallows large amounts of lead will develop blood anemia, kidney damage, severe stomach aches, muscle weakness and brain damage severe enough to kill the child.

- Televisions and computer monitors contain a picture tube known as the cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which contain significant amounts of lead.

- Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) are illuminated by mercury-filled panels.

- Circuitry within monitors and other electronic boards contain chromium, copper, and lead that exceed regulatory limits.

- The batteries that power many of these types of equipment contain metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, silver, lithium, and other dangerous metals.