Consumer Electronics

This article is meant to help you get into some of the most secret aspects. Being interested in this topic will is a must.

Consumer electronics run the gambit from personal computers and mobile phones, to MP3 players and televisions. What most do not think about when considering purchasing electronics is what they will do with them once they break or are no longer valuable. Every year, the United States alone generates almost 3 million tons of commodity and electronic waste (or e-waste) from the disposal of obsolete, defective or damaged devices. To get a better idea of where all that e-waste goes after it is thrown away and what it means to you and the environment, let's do some investigation.

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.

When electronics are handled and sorted properly, e-waste is a valuable source of secondary raw materials. However, they are a major contributor of toxins and carcinogens when clumsily treated. Fast paced technology changes, low initial cost and actual planned obsolescence have given way to a growing problem around the globe. Uncontrolled burning, disassembly without safety measures in place, and haphazard disposal practices are causing environmental and health problems.

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.

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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