DANGEROUS Materials in Electronic Waste: Barium:Used in the front panel of the CRT (cathode ray tube) 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: Found on motherboards and connectors, beryllium is a human carcinogen. Brominated Flame Retardants: Likely endocrine disrupters, these flame retarants reduce levels of the hormone thyroxin in exposed animals and can potentially harm the developing fetus. Cadmium: Found in SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors, semiconductors, older types of cathode ray tubes and some plastics, cadmium is linked to kidney damage and may harm fragile bones. Hexavalent Chromium: Used to protect untreated and galvanized steel plates from corrosion and as a hardener for steel housing, hexavalent chromium can cause DNA damage and asthmatic bronchitis. Lead: CRT (cathode ray tube) displays contain 4-8 pounds of lead. Lead is also found in solder. Lead is toxic to the kidneys, nervous and reproductive systems, and inhibits mental development of young children and fetuses. Mercury: Found in light bulbs, flat panel displays, switches and printed wiring boards. Linked to brain and kidney damage. Mercury, which can be passed through breast milk and fish consumption, is also extremely harmful to developing fetuses. Plastics: Found in printed circuit boards and components such as connectors, plastic covers and cables, the average computer contains up to 13.8 pounds of plastic. Dioxin can be formed when PVC is burned. Combinations of plastics are hard to separate and recycle. URT is a well respected, nation wide, responsible collector and processor of Ewaste. Keep these contaminates out of our environment. Please visit UniversalRecyclers to find a recycling drop off locations near you.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 12:43:25 +0000