subject: Computer: a rapidly growing electronic waste [print this page] The phrase 'electronic waste' covers all early or throwaway electronic devices and technologies including consumer electronic products, machines and many other scientific and medical devices. Computers tend to rapidly change and old models become obsolete with the arrival of new classy models and progressive features.
Hazards of e-waste:
Computers have dramatically enhanced the degree of our life but simultaneously produced millions of tons of electronic garbage over the period. E-waste is multiplicative and is increasing at an alarming ratefaster than household and industrial garbage. E-waste contains risky substances such as cadmium, metal, metal, sepia, execute, element, chromium, quicksilver, metal and metal causing detrimental impacts on surroundings as well as common population. Metals, glass and plastics can be easily recycled. But the irony is, over 70 percent of electronic debris (approximately 3.2 million tons), wind up in landfill and are never recycled.
Toxins in E waste
Computers contains up to 1,000 poisonous substances that can hurt kidneys, respiratory system, and amount for a varied kinds of cancer.
Mercury is found in LCD screen backlights, laptops and printed circuit boards. If consumed thorough food chain, contaminants gradually accumulate in our body and result into various organs' failure. Some research organizations have found that mercury severely affects a baby's nervous system; disrupts normal functioning of heart; and causes mental impairment in children. Cadmium in semiconductors and chip resistors may cause various types of cancer. Brominated Flame Retardants in printed circuit boards increases the chances of cancer; it may cause endocrine disruption and negatively affect the development of infants. Lead on printed circuit boards and computer monitor glass may interrupt blood systems and damage central nervous system.
Prevention of electronic wastes
Most of us do not favor using computes until the end of its lifetime. We tend to change for the newer and upgraded versions and remain ignorant to e-wastes.Users can utilize their old computes by using it for longer time and, at the time of disposal, giving it to accountable recyclers for reuse; Donating computers to the charitable schools or churches are appreciable if the equipment is moderately new and in working condition.The disposal of computer equipment should be executed in environment friendly manner so that toxic metals do least harm to the environment and local health.
