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| Why is E-Waste Dangerous? |
- More than 400 million computers will be replaced in the
next 3 years.
- Chance of breakage of a CRT at a landfill is very high.
- Only 15% of old computers are reused.
- 70% of the heavy metals in US landfills-including Cadmium,
Mercury, and 1.2 billion pounds of lead-come from electronics.
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| Hazardous Metals |
- Toxic metals found in electronics include mercury, cadmium,
chromium, lead and phosphorus.
- Lead, mercury and barium are the most toxic substances
found in Catho Ray Tubes (CRT’s).
- The lead bearing particles can leach into water as well
as become an airborne hazard.
- One ounce of mercury will contaminate a lake for hundreds
of years.
- There are 4-7 pounds of lead in each monitor.
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| Environmental &
Health Effects |
- Chronic exposure to mercury and lead causes brain damage.
- Exposure to chromium can cause asthmatic bronchitis and
strong allergic reactions.
- Chromium Carcinogenic causes lung and nasal cancers in
concentrated amounts. In small amounts causes asmathic bronchitis.
The movie, Erin Brokovich, highlighted this threat.
- Mercury Microorganisms convert metal mercury into methyl
mercury which is easily absorbed by fish and wildlife. Levels
build up to toxic levels. Consumption of these tainted food
supplies can cause serious brain damage.
- Lead can get into the air as well as land and water. Up
to 50% of air borne lead is absorbed by the human body,
as opposed to 5% if it comes in contact with the skin. Lead
causes damage to the nervous system, kidneys and lungs.
- Barium is an irritant to the skin and nasal passages has
toxic effects if ingested, causing violent diarrhea, convulsive
tremors and muscular paralysis. Barium can also effect the
heart and nervous system.
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Spring 2005 Collection at Collegiate School - 20 Tons Collected! |
