Electronic Waste and Public Health

Electronic waste represents two percent of America's trash in landfills, but it equals seventy percent of overall toxic waste.

E-waste is a global problem, especially since many developed countries ship their discarded electronic equipment to less developed countries.  There the e-waste is dismantled and burned, producing toxic emissions harmful to waste site workers and nearby communities.


Billions of pounds of electronic waste are destined for landfills and incinerators in the next few years.  Computers, cell phones, and other electronics contain metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead, as well as brominated flame retardants that are in the plastics that encase each machine. Studies have repeatedly shown these metals and chemicals to be toxic to our environment and public health.  Some states have begun to classify computer monitors as hazardous waste and in some cases are banned from landfills.

Listed below is more information regarding some of the hazardous electronic components and their potential health effects.   
Beryllium
Category 1 carcinogen; carcinogenic to both animals and humans.
Exposure to beryllium is known to damage skin, and if inhaled can cause serious damage to the lungs.
Cadmium
Known human carcinogen, primarily affecting the lungs following inhalation. Cadmium exposure can also result in the development of hypertension, heart disease, kidney malfunction, and bone toxicity.
Chromium Hexavalent
Known human carcinogen. Highly toxic even at low concentrations. Exposure can result in damage to skin and lung tissue, as well as to the liver and kidneys.
Lead
Highly toxic, affects virtually every system in the body and is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and young children.
Mercury
Potent-neurotoxin. Also damages the lungs, liver and kidneys. Chronic exposure can lead to emotional instability, sleeplessness, muscle weakness, headaches and damage to the digestive system.
Brominated Flame Retardants
(BFRs)
Known for bioaccumulation in human and animal tissue. Chronic exposure interferes with brain and skeletal development, especially in the womb. Endocrine disruptor can cause delayed puberty and metabolic abnormalities.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
When incinerated or burned releases highly toxic chemical compounds. Many dangerous chemical additives and heavy metals can be released from the material over its lifetime and after disposal.
Phthalates
Known endocrine disrupter and reproductive toxin. Strong link between exposure and allergies and asthma in children.

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