Toxics in electronics:
Lead:
Many older TV and Computer monitors can contain up to 4-8 lbs of lead.
It is also used in the soldering on the circuit boards. Exposure can
cause brain damage, nervous damage, blood disorders, kidney damage, and
developmental damage to fetus. Children are especially vulnerable.
Acute exposure can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma, or
death.
Mercury:
Light bulbs in flat panel displays, LCD screens, switches, &
printed wiring boards all contain mercury. High levels of exposure
contribute to brain & kidney damage, harm the developing fetus
& can be passed down through breast milk and fish consumption.
Exposure through ingestion or inhalation can cause central nervous
system and kidney damage.
Plastics & Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Make
up to 14 pounds (about 20%) of an average computer. Dioxin can be
formed when PVC is burned. Combinations of plastics which are difficult
to separate and recycle are used in printed circuit boards, in
components such as connectors, plastic covers & cables.
Cadmium:
SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors, semiconductors, older types of
cathode ray tubes, and some plastics contain cadmium. It concentrates
in the body & can cause kidney damage & harm to fragile
bones.Long term exposure can cause kidney damage and damage to the bone
stru cture. Cadmium is a known cancer causing substance