|
TOXICS IN ELECTRONICS
1000s of Chemicals are Used in Electronics Production
Just one computer can contain hundreds of chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, respiratory illness and reproductive problems. They are especially dangerous because of their ability to travel long distances through air and water and accumulate in our bodies and the environment.
Exposure is most severe for workers and communities whose water or air is directly contaminated by electronic manufacturing facilities. Most often, those workers and communities are low income people of color, prisoners and impoverished areas of developing countries.
PBTs accumulate in our bodies and are passed to our children
 |
|
Click Here to go to SVTC and ETBC's report on toxic flame retardants in computers. (PDF) | |
When electronic products are manufactured, used and disposed, dangerous chemicals are released. These chemicals accumulate in our bodies and environment and are known as Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxics (PBTs). PBTs are dangerous because they are toxic in small amounts and have the ability to accumulate in fatty tissues of people through the food we eat. These toxins become more highly concentrated as they move up the food chain and can be passed on to our children. Health advocates are becoming very concerned as studies continue to show higher concentration of PBTs in people’s blood across the globe.
POPs are released when electronics are not properly recycled
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a category of PBTs that include carbon such as dioxins, furans and flame retardant chemicals, all dangerous chemicals that are being found in people all over the globe. These toxics are the bi-products of chemical manufacturing, and can also be found in electronic products themselves. When electronics are not properly recycled, their plastic casings are often burned, releasing POPs into our air that can reach people thousands of miles away. Even small amounts of these extremely dangerous toxins can injure human health. Many POPs damage the body’s hormone systems, and can have deadly effects on fetuses when passed from the mother during pregnancy.
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 and printed wiring boards contain mercury. High levels of exposure contribute to brain and kidney damage, harm the developing fetus and 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 and in components such as connectors, plastic covers and cables.
Cadmium: SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors, semiconductors, older types of cathode ray tubes and some plastics contain cadmium. It concentrates in the body and can cause kidney damage and harm to fragile bones. Long term exposure can cause kidney damage and damage to the bone structure. Cadmium is a known cancer causing substance
 |
|
Click Here (PDF) to see SVTC's diagram that shows where toxic chemicals are found in your desktop or laptop computer. | | Brominated flame retardants (BFRs): Used in plastic casings, released when electronics are dumped or incinerated. BFRs likely endocrine disrupters reduce levels of the hormone thyroxin in exposed animals and can potentially harm the developing fetus in pregnant women. Learn more about BFRs and electronics.
Barium: is used in the front panel of the CRT to protect users from radiation. Short-term exposure to barium can cause brain swelling, muscle weakness and damage to the heart, liver and spleen.
Beryllium: is found on motherboards and connectors and is a human carcinogen.
Hexavalent Chromium: Used for corrosion protection of untreated and galvanized steel plates and hardener for steel housing. It can cause DNA damage and asthmatic bronchitis.
Dioxins and Furans: Used in the plastic casings, released when electronics are incinerated or thrown in a landfill.
Additional Resources
Click Here for a list of websites and reports on Toxics and Health. | | | |
|
TAKE ACTION |
GO |
|
See a diagram of the toxic chemicals found in electronics! (PDF)
|
|
TAKE ACTION |
GO |
|
Learn More About the Chemicals Found in Electronic Manufacturing Facilities (Excel file)
| | |
|
