ELECTRONIC WASTE Flashcards
WHAT IS E-WASTE
*Electronic waste or e-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices.
*Used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal are also considered e-waste.
LIST VARIOUS SOURCES OF E-WASTE
- Computers and accessories: Monitors, keyboards, printers, etc.
- Entertainment devices: TVs, DVDs, CD players.
- Communication devices: Phones, landlines, fax machines.
- Household appliances: Vacuum cleaners, microwaves, washing machines, air conditioners.
- Audio/visual equipment: VCRs, stereo systems.
EFFECTS OF E-WASTE ON HUMAN HEALTH
*S.NO. | ELEMENT | EFFECT ON HUMAN HEALTH**
1. Lead - Damages brain function, particularly in children
2. Americium - Can induce cancer
3. Mercury - Causes memory loss, muscle weakness, reduced fertility, and more
4. Cadmium - Severe lung damage if breathed in
5. Sulphur - Damages the liver, heart, kidneys, and eyes
6. Chromium - A known cause of cancer
WHAT ARE COMMON E-WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD
Common E-Waste Disposal Methods and Environmental Issues:
- Landfilling: Burying e-waste in the ground. Toxic chemicals like lead and mercury can leak into soil and water, causing pollution.
- Acid Bath: Using strong acids to extract metals from e-waste. The leftover acid is hazardous and can pollute water if not handled properly.
- Incineration: Burning e-waste to reduce its volume and generate energy. Releases toxic gases like cadmium and mercury into the air.
- Recycling: Dismantling e-waste to recover useful materials like metals, which can be reused in new products.
- Reuse: Refurbishing old electronics for reuse, which is the most eco-friendly option.
In short, landfilling and incineration cause pollution, acid baths create hazardous waste, while recycling and reuse are better for the environment.
