Blog assignment 2:
The story of electronics
E-waste polluted the
environment with hazardous compounds.
A computer screen generally contains more than 140g of lead. Computers
can also contain mercury and cadmium. With millions of computer screens obsolete,
the amount of toxic emissions that result is not
trivial.
According to
experts in chemistry, a number of metals used in electronics are hazardous
substances with a concentration in air and in water about 0.0001 - 1.0 mg/m3,
about 0.0001 - 2.0 mg / m3, respectively. Computers, televisions ... contained
more than 1000 kinds of different
toxic chemicals. Some chemicals such as beryllium
found in the motherboard or inside Cadmium
chip resistors and semiconductors are extremely
toxic and can cause cancer. The chemical chromium
in floppy disks, lead in batteries
and computer monitors, or mercury in alkaline
batteries, fluorescent lamps ... are
harmful to human
health. Most metals and metal compounds in solid waste semiconductor
electronics are capable of causing mutations disrupt the metabolism of matter
and energy, causing defects in cell and vivo, resulting in some inflammatory diseases, cancer, endocrine disorders. In addition, the heavy metals when burned can cause cancer. Soil and water resources in the area of waste burned are severely poisoned.
Conclusion, international organizations and every country have
set out the mandatory provisions on the management and handling of toxic waste. One solution
which helps to solve the root
problem of electronic waste is associated with responsibilities
of the producers.
It is very shocking to see the number of toxic substances used in electronics. I agree with you that mandatory provisions could be one solution on the problem.
SvaraRadera