Does E-Waste contain hazardous substances?

QuestionsCategory: EPRDoes E-Waste contain hazardous substances?
Trisha Runwal asked 2 years ago
Summary
Does E-Waste contain hazardous substances?
Article Name
Does E-Waste contain hazardous substances?
Description
Know about the hazardous substances found in electronic waste (e-waste) and why it's important to handle them properly.
Author
Publisher Name
GreenSutra
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1 Answers
Team GreenSutra® Staff answered 2 years ago

Yes, e-waste contains hazardous substances.

These hazardous substances are harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly. When not handled appropriately, they leach into soil and water sources, contaminating the environment and posing a threat to human and animal life.

Some examples of the hazardous substances found in e-waste:

  1. Lead: Found in CRT monitors, printed circuit boards, and batteries.
  2. Mercury: Found in fluorescent lamps, flat-screen displays, and some batteries.
  3. Cadmium: Found in rechargeable batteries, switches, and some plastics.
  4. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs): Found in plastic casings, cables, and circuit boards.
  5. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Found in cables, insulation, and plastic casings.
  6. Arsenic: Found in some semiconductors, as well as CRT monitors and flat-screen displays.
  7. Beryllium: Found in some connectors, springs, and switches.

The list is not exhaustive and there may be other hazardous substances found in e-waste not included in this list.