Electronic products that are undesired, broken, or nearing or at the end of their “useful life” are referred to as e-waste. Electronic items such as computers, televisions, stereos, VCRs, fax and machines copiers are commonplace.
The problem of how to properly dispose unwanted gadgets isn’t new; it dates back to at least the 1970s. But there is a change, especially in terms of the amount of electronics that are now thrown.
Today we have something else: a word for this problem. Following various suggestions, including “Digital garbage,” a consensus emerged around the concise name “e-waste.” Even though we’re so loud about the dangers of e-waste, many people are unaware of the true health risks associated with the components used in electronics. Therefore, electronic recycling adds a new horizon. Here’s a close look at some potential health hazards associated with conventional electronic substances.
Lead
The bulk of electrical devices rely on a network of wires to connect their circuits. These wires are normally lead wires, and while they are used sparingly in goods like cell phones, even a small quantity of lead exposure can be hazardous to a person’s health. The health consequences of lead exposure are the same regardless of how it is obtained. Short-term exposure can cause the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Amnesia
- Abdominal Pains
These may appear to be minor symptoms, but the truth is that they develop gradually, and by the time lead poisoning symptoms appear, the damage has already been done. High levels of lead exposure, if left unchecked, can result in long-term health problems such as:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
Cadmium
Cadmium is a common substance found in:
- Batteries
- Alloys
- Switches
In reality, the rechargeable battery features of most computers rely on cadmium. Cadmium exposure has a wide range of effects depending on the amount of cadmium ingested.
Short-term exposure to the material due to improper asset disposition might cause flu-like symptoms and lung problem. The chronic exposure to the material, however horrible it may seem, can lead to:
- Kidney disease
- Bone disease
- Lung cancer
Chromium
Chromium exposure has health consequences that go beyond internal difficulties like respiratory disorders, kidney and liver damage. People have reported medical problems as a result of acute chromium exposure, including:
- Eye irritation
- Eye damage
- Eardrum damage
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages.
Our Contribution to Our Clients’ Safety
We’re an R2 Certified recycling company that takes e-waste very seriously. When it comes to electronic asset disposition and asset disposal, the team at Innovative IT Solutions is fully aware of the threats occurring from electronic material exposure. You don’t even have to handle the hazardous parts of your equipment throughout the recycling procedure. All you have to do is gather your equipment, safely bundle your cords, and give us a call!
We’ll gladly come to your place to collect your old devices and transfer them securely to the recycling center, where they will be disposed of responsibly. See us at Innovative IT Solutions for electronics recycling in Kansas and Arizona.
