It is time to take corporate electronic recycling very seriously because there are not only occupational hazards involved in this industry but also environmental risks that might be irreparable. If you have come across a local electronics recycling plant, it is time to get more knowledge from them about how you can discard or get rid of your used electronics in the safest way possible. This is because several electronics that we use in our home including our computers and laptops, smartphones and television systems, stereo systems, fax machines, screens, tablets, and everything that runs on electricity is eventually going to be dumped in a landfill which is going to pollute our environment further.
A Few Electronic Items And Products That We Use On A Regular Basis And The Potential Occupational Hazard And Environmental Risks Attached With Them
Cathode Ray Tubes Which Are An Important Part Of Our Television Sets And Screens
Anyone involved in the collection and disposal of these components is prone to cuts and bruises from the glass. Silicosis is also a potential occupational hazard associated with cathode ray tubes.
The potential environmental risk associated with lead, barium and other heavy metals present in cathode ray tubes is that they can be easily absorbed by water bodies and our soil. This is going to initiate the release of toxic phosphor into our environment which is not going to be healthy for anyone.
The leading electronic recycling services and e-waste destruction companies suggest breaking and removal of the copper yolk and then disposing of the remaining components in a safe and eco friendly manner.
Printer Circuit Boards Which Are Used In Almost Every Household And Office
An individual collecting and disposing of these components is prone to tin and lead inhalation as well. There is also a possibility of brominated dioxin and beryllium exposure. Of course, cadmium and mercury are also present in these components which are dangerous to human health.
If this release of toxic substances goes unwatched, our air will be polluted by substances such as barium, toxic phosphor and lead leading to soil and water contamination.
The ideal way to get rid of these electronic components is desoldering them and removing the computer chips entirely.
Preventing Such Contamination
Can Take Back Of E-Waste Help?
According to several e waste and data destruction companies, producers can be held liable for the entire life cycle of their products. There are bilateral and multilateral take back policies that can be promoted throughout the industry. Several components of any electronic items can be dismantled and distributed back among OEMs. This makes it possible for the electronic item(s) to be dispersed right at their points of origin. We need to be more conscious and cautious about how we use our electronics and how we discard them. By failing to do so we will be putting ourselves and our coming generations at risk.
For more information read our other resources: Important Things to Consider About Electronic Recycling