1. Introduction
Most consumers are unaware of the toxic materials in the products they rely on for word processing, data management, and access to the internet, as well as for electronic games.
2. Computer Junk is Growing
There is a growing and imminent waste crisis about to hit the USA – computer junk.
3. E-Toxics in Computers and E-Waste
Printed Circuit Boards contain heavy metals such as Antimony, Silver, Chromium, Zinc, Lead, Tin and Copper. According to some estimates there is hardly any other product for which the sum of the environmental impacts of raw material, extraction, industrial, refining and production, use and disposal is so extensive as for printed circuit boards.
4. Disposing of Computers is Hazardous
In addition to the recent evidence of worker exposure to flame retardants, the environmental risks posed by landfilling and burning are also significant. In particular, when computer waste is landfilled or incinerated, it poses contamination problems in leachate to water sources and toxic air emissions.
5. A Step in the Right Direction: Extended Producer Responsibility
Europe has taken the lead on reducing E-waste from electronic products by making producers responsible for taking back their products.
6. What is a Clean Computer?
Electronic products should actually be considered chemical waste products. Their number is increasing and their life is decreasing. Electronic waste piles are growing, as is their pollution potential. Most of these problems have their source in the development and ddesign of the products concerned...
7. What you can do
Write to or phone your computer manufacturer asking them to take back your old computer free of charge to you, or just bring it back to them and tell them that you want them to take it back...
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