The Chemicals In My Computer
What are 'Volatile Organic Compounds' (VOCs)?
Volcanic Organic Compounds (VOC's) are organic compounds that are found in liquid or vapor form. The EPA has deemed them to have adverse health effects if they get into our bodies, or are ingested or breathed through vapor or through liquid form into our bodies.
What are 'Brominated Flame Retardants' (BFRs)?
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are chemicals that are added to many types of electronic waste, which makes them flame retardant. Unfortunately, Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) could also have very bad, adverse health effects, as many studies have proven throughout time, if they come into our bodies or are ingested by human beings or animals. So it's paramount that we keep Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) out of the environment by recycling electronic waste.
What is 'Polyvinyl Chlorinated Biphenyl' (PCB)?
Polyvinyl Chlorinated Biphenyl (PCB's) are also hazard materials as deemed by the EPA in many studies, that have come in from around the world. PCB's have been known to cause cancer and adverse effect in animal studies. And we don't want PCB's that are in electronics for other reasons; to keep the electronics in good shape, non-flammable, and to get into the environment by not being recycled appropriately. So if we recycle electronics appropriately, we will keep PCB's out of the landfills and out of our environmental flow which will then get back into the animals or humans across the world.
What is 'arsenic'?
Arsenic is a notoriously harmful chemical that if ingested, could cause death in animals or human beings. Arsenic is found in many, many, if not all, types of electronic waste. So again, arsenic is another great reason that we keep the electronic waste out of our landfills, out of our environment, and out of any possibility of being ingested by animals or human beings.
What effects does arsenic have on the environment?
Arsenic has a very harmful effect on the environment. It is a notoriously harmful chemical. That if it gets into the land, ground and water supply and ingested by animals or humans, can kill them, so it is paramount that we keep arsenic out of the environment by recycling our electronic waste.
What is 'cadmium'?
Cadmium is also another harmful chemical. Cadmium is found in the metal plating processes and also in battery making processes and recycling processes. If not recycled appropriately, batteries and other recycled waste are not recycled appropriately, the cadmium could be inhaled, and that would have adverse effects on the central nervous system for both humans and animals. Cadmium's greatest harmful effect comes through inhalation, so the appropriate recycling methodologies of batteries and other metal products is critical to keep cadmium out of the air.
What is 'mercury'?
Mercury is a chemical, also known as quicksilver. When ingested by humans or animals, it could cause the three Ds: deformity, dementia, or death. It's very, very harmful, and it's absolutely critical that we keep mercury out of our landfills and our ground and water supplies by recycling electronics appropriately. Mercury is primarily found in thermometers, in batteries, and in fluorescent bulbs.
What is 'lead'?
Lead is a notorious harmful chemical if it gets into the environment and leaches into the ground and water supplies and ingested by animals or human beings.
How much lead could a typical computer monitor contain?
The lead that can be found in a typical computer or television screen is anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds. It's found both in the cathode ray tube, and also in the solder joints in the television, or the computer, or any other type of electronic waste. So, lead is found in almost all types of electronics.
