With new technology coming out everyday, it’s a common response to go out and upgrade. This practice has been going on for decades. The result of which is an increasing number of electronic devices filling up landfills. For the unaware consumer, throwing out the old device is expected. However, this increase in electronic waste can lead to dire consequences.
Electronic Waste Defined
Electronic waste or E-waste is all of that discarded electronic stuff. Examples of these are televisions, computers, cell phones, PDAs, printers and all the other old electronic devices. These things, when dumped in landfills, are hazardous to our health and the environment.
Why is E-Waste Dangerous?
Studies have shown that the components of electronic devices contain harmful metals that pose danger to human and environmental health. For instance, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in televisions and computer monitors contain 5-8 pounds of lead. As you well know, even a small amount of this metal can cause lead poisoning if it gets into your body. There are other metals found in computers that are also considered hazardous. These are chromium, zinc, mercury and nickel.
Once the electronic devices are sitting in the landfill, these harmful metals can leach into the ground. Although most modern landfills have liners, the supposedly thin plastic placed at the base of a landfill to prevent waste materials from contaminating the ground, they often fail in their designed task. If this happens, groundwater supply contamination may result. 0.014 grams of mercury has the ability to contaminate a 20-acre lake and the fish living in it.
Health Effects of E-Waste Metals
The metals that are absorbed by the ground have known ill health effects. Lead can cause damage to the nervous system, and contribute to kidney and endocrine problems. Cadmium can also affects the kidneys. Mercury can affect proper brain functioning. Hexavalent chromium can lead to tumors and cancer development in humans.
Due to the ill effects on health of these E waste metals, more landfills today do not accept electronic products. For some that still do, they charge a higher fee to help manage the greater handling required.
Ways to Minimize E-Waste
Instead of tossing out your old electronics, first consider donating them. Schools or charities may be able to use what we consider antiquated. There are also organizations that are geared toward electronic waste recycling. One organization, E-Waste America, supports proper disposal of electronic products. Although recycling computers and TVs are costly, organizations still make it a priority since protecting our health and our children’s health are what’s at stake.
