Hazardous Substances in Electronics

Electronics recycling in Surrey BC, in other parts of Canada, and even all throughout the globe paramount. This is especially true during these days when we are running out of landfills where we can dump our trash.

 

You have various options when you want to throw away any old electronic devices you have: you can donate them, or sell them if you want to earn some cash. The government has also introduced a take-back campaign in the interest of promoting electronics recycling in Surrey BC.

 

But aside from preventing our landfills to be laden with items that are non-recyclable, why is it important for electronic wastes to be handled properly? What are the hazards of carelessly throwing away electronic rubbish?

 

Most electronics contain hazardous substances that could be bad for your health, and this is why proper handling and recycling of electronics is extremely crucial.

 

Plastics or contaminated plastics such as PVC plastics are commonly found in the majority of electronic devices we have today. PVC plastics are amongst other materials considered as human carcinogens, which means they could possibly cause cancer in humans. Some electronics also have polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs. PBDEs are being used as fire retardants for plastics in numerous electronic devices, and they could be harmful to your health as well.

 

CRT or Cathode Ray Tubes which are found in countless TV appliances and computer monitors may hold a significant amount of lead. Lead can negatively impact the nervous system and the development of the brain.

 

One of the most common (and most dangerous) substances present in numerous electronic devices today is mercury. Mercury can be found in batteries, thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, and many other electronics. Exposure to mercury can be lethal and may damage or affect the respiratory, immune, digestive, nervous, as well as excretory systems.

 

Another toxic substance from electronics is Cadmium. Cadmium is commonly found inside the computer screen and could be dangerous to the kidneys, lungs, and bones once encountered.

 

Beryllium is a toxic substance found on the motherboard of computers. Liver, kidney, lung, and heart disease may result from exposure to this substance.

 

So, if you have electronics that you need to get rid of, better let the professionals help you and don’t just carelessly throw your appliances away.