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Discarded electronics contain hazardous materials. If disposed improperly, they pose a potential threat to human health and the
environment. E-Waste accounts for 40 percent of the lead and 75 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills. Although safe when used, once
electronics are discarded in a landfill, the acidic conditions provide an environment in which lead and other heavy metals may leak out. If the landfill's liner
fails, the groundwater supply may become contaminated.
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Learn more about the potentially hazardous elements found in computers:
Lead
- Lead accumulates in the environment and has high acute and chronic toxic effects on plants, animals and microorganisms.
- Lead is known to cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood system and kidneys in humans.
- Effects on the endocrine system have been observed, and serious negative effects on children's brain development are well documented.
- Lead existing in landfilled products has the potential to leach and contaminate drinking water supplies.
- Lead is found in soldering of printed circuit boards and other electronic components.
- Lead is also found in glass panels in computer monitors (CRTs).
- More information from the EPA.
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Cadmium
- Cadmium compounds are classified as toxic with a possible risk of irreversible effects on human health.
- Cadmium and cadmium compounds accumulate in the human body, in particular in the kidneys.
- Cadmium shows a danger of cumulative effects in the environment due to its acute and chronic toxicity.
- It is found in certain components such as SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors and semiconductors.
- Cadmium is lso found in older models of cathode ray tubes (glass panels in computer monitors) and in plastics as a stabilizer.
- More information from the EPA.
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Mercury
- Mercury has been shown to accumulate in living organisms and concentrate through the food chain, particularly in fish.
- Negative effects on brain functioning and development have been attributed to mercury.
- Mercury is found in:
- Thermostats
- Position censors
- Relays and switches
- Discharge lamps
- Batteries
- Printed wiring boards
- More information from the EPA.
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Hexavalent Chromium
- Chromium can cause strong allergic reactions, even in small concentrations.
- It is found in untreated and galvanized steel plates.
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PVC(Polyvinyl Chloride Plastics)
- The production and burning of PVC products generates dioxins and furans, which contribute to air pollution and respiratory ailments.
- PVC is found in cabling and computer housing.
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Brominated Flame Retardants
- Research has concluded that exposure to these chemicals in early life could induce neurotoxic effects similar to those
caused by other toxic substances such as some pesticides.
- Exposure to Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) are believed to cause an increased risk of cancer of the digestive and
lymph systems.
- PBBs are found in:
- Printed circuit boards
- Components such as connectors, plastic covers and cables
- Plastic covers of TV sets
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DNR Contact
Theresa Stiner
(515) 281-8646
Theresa.Stiner@dnr.iowa.gov
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