When you think about consumer electronics, you may think of equipment you use every day; like televisions, digital cameras and personal computers. What you may not even consider is that each year, the United States alone generates almost 3 million tons of commodity and electronic waste (or e-waste) through the disposal of damaged, defective and obsolete devices, such as that cordless phone that quit working for you or those mobile phones you threw away because you wanted the latest models. Let’s look at where that e-waste ends up after it’s tossed away and the effects it has on you and the environment.
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Consumer electronics, like mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and televisions keep people in touch with their work world, as well as for entertainment. What most don’t think about when making an electronics purchase is what they will do with the item once it breaks or becomes obsolete. Each year in the United States, almost 3 million tons of commodity and electronic waste (or e-waste) is thrown away. Where does that waste end up and how does it effect our environment? Let’s take a look.
Because of the difficulty and cost of recycling electronics, as well as spotty enforcement of legislation regarding e-waste exports, vast amounts of used electronics have been sent to countries such as China, Kenya and India. Lower environmental standards and working conditions make processing e-waste more profitable yet dangerously hazardous in those countries. Being mindful of e-waste disposal is a big concern. There are facilities out there that specifically deal with this hazardous material correctly.
Waste from consumer electronics contains PCBs, cadmium, mercury and lead. Those substances are highly toxic and carcinogenic. When carelessly handled, they can contaminate our food and water supply and enter our food chain. Burning of these products causes toxic fumes to be emitted. This furthers the depletion of the ozone, as well as creating the potential of inhalation by humans and animals. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer, while cadmium, lead and mercury affect the central nervous system, which can cause cell damage and renal failure.
PCBs, lead, mercury and cadmium make up the waste left over from consumer electronics. They are extremely toxic and studies have shown that PCBs can cause cancer. If not disposed of properly, then they can contaminate soil and water, eventually getting into the food chain. Toxic fumes are emitted when they are burned, causing not only depletion of the ozone, but health hazards from inhalation. Mercury, lead and cadmium affect the central nervous system, which can cause damage to cells, as well as renal failure.
How many reasons do we need to recycle – or perhaps more practically, reuse – consumer electronics waste? These four reasons may convince you to begin: mercury, lead, cadmium and PCBs. They leech into soil and spill into groundwater, contaminating our food and water supply. They are known carcinogens. By considering proper disposal, use and reuse of this type of waste, you will not only be helping the environment, you will be setting a good example for others to follow.
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