Dangerous Mercury and Lead in Electronics
There is so much new technology in our society that it is hard to keep track of and more are coming out every month. In the recent past, it was a big deal to have a color TV. Now the average home has several HDTVs, DVD players, computers and a few different gaming systems. Everyone wants to have the newest and most advanced technology so we end up disposing of our old electronics to make room for the new and improved ones.
It can be difficult to safely dispose of electronics. Usually people throw their old electronics in the trash can and they are taken to the landfill. This creates a dangerous situation. Electronics of all sizes are full of mercury and lead so putting them in the landfill can be dangerous to the environment.
Mercury is a very dangerous metal even in small doses. Exposure to large amounts can be fatal, and exposure to even small amounts of the chemical can lead to kidney damage, liver damage, immune system problems and damage to the nervous system. Pregnant women should never be exposed to mercury because it can harm the baby. There is mercury in many electronic parts including LCD displays, batteries, switches and circuit boards.
Lead, on the other hand, can cause problems with the development of a child’s brain. It is also linked to kidney damage, damage to the nervous system and reproductive problems. There is lead in most televisions and in many computer monitors. There can be up to 8 pounds of lead in a television or computer monitor. Circuit boards and batteries also contain lead but in smaller amounts.
How to Prevent Mercury and Lead from Getting Into Landfills
There is not likely going to be a decrease of electronics being thrown out for new, more advanced items anytime soon. That doesn’t mean we have to keep filling the landfills up with our old electronics. Many of the items otherwise thrown away can be reused or possibly recycled if they no longer work properly.
Instead of throwing out your old computer, you can simply upgrade your machine to include new technology. The problem is that not all computer manufacturers produce computers that are easily upgraded. Often, they make it hard to upgrade their machines so consumers will have to buy a new one. Consider this when you are thinking about getting a brand new computer and make sure your new machine is easily upgradable.
Your old electronics can be very useful at schools, churches and for the less fortunate. You can find many organizations and schools that are willing to take your old electronics to use in their facilities and you can get a tax write off for donating your old electronics. You are doing good for others and the environment because you are extending the life your electronics and keeping them out of landfills.
If you have electronics that are no longer any good, you should recycle them instead of throwing them in the trash. You may have to do a little searching to find a place that recycles electronics but it is worth it to protect the environment. Another option may be to return the equipment to the manufacturer if you were able to lease it instead of buy it.
The increased levels of mercury and lead that are filling up our landfills are a dangerous trend. If we all were more responsible with how we got rid of old electronics, it would make a big difference to our environment and health.
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