What is E-waste?

E-waste is a popular name for almost all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that.
have become unwanted, non-working or obsolete, and have essentially reached the end of their
useful life. Although e-waste is a general term, it can refers to TVs, computers, mobile phones,
any household or business item with circuitry or electrical components that has battery supply.

1. What is e-waste?
E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their "useful life."
Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic
products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.
2. What is e-waste?
E-waste is a term used to cover almost all types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) that
has or could enter the waste stream. Although e-waste is a general term, it can be considered to
cover TVs, computers, mobile phones, white goods (e.g. fridges, washing machines, dryers etc),
home entertainment and stereo systems, toys, toasters, kettles almost any household or
business item with circuitry or electrical components with power or battery supply.
3. What is e-waste?
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a term for electronic products that have become unwanted, non-
working or obsolete, and have essentially reached the end of their useful life. Because technology
advances at such a high rate, many electronic devices become trash after a few short years of
use. In fact, whole categories of old electronic items contribute to e-waste such as VCRs being
replaced by DVD players, and DVD players being replaced by blu-ray players. E-waste is created
from anything electronic: computers, TVs, monitors, cell phones, PDAs, VCRs, CD players, fax
machines, printers, etc.
1. http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/electronics/whatisewaste/
2. http://www.step-initiative.org/index.php/Initiative_WhatIsEwaste.html
3. http://www.bostonelectronicwaste.com/go-green/what-is-ewaste

What are the substances of potencial concern in electronics?
Substances like lead, cadmium, chromium, brominated flame retardants or polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) are extremely important for performance characteristics, but can cause health
risks from inhalation of toxic fumes, as well as from accumulation of chemicals in soil, water and
food.
Lead is the fifth most widely used, short-term exposure to high levels of lead can cause vomiting,
diarrhea, convulsions, coma or even death
Cadmium shows a danger of cumulative effects in the environment due to its acute and chronic
toxicity. Acute exposure to cadmium causes flu-like symptoms of weakness, fever, headache,
chills, sweating and muscular pain. Long term exposure are lung cancer, kidney damagecause,
pulmonary emphysema and bone disease (osteomalacia and osteoporosis).
PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals and have also been shown to cause effects
on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health
effects. PCBs are persistent contaminants in the environment. The use of PCBs is prohibited in
OECD countries, however, due to its wide use in the past, it still can be found in waste electrical
and electronic equipment as well as in some other wastes.


1. What is the substances of potencial concern in electronics?
Lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants are among the substances of
concern in electronics. These substances are included in the products for important
performance characteristics, but can cause problems if the products are not properly managed
at end of life.
Lead is used in glass in TV and PC cathode ray tubes as well as solder and interconnects;
older CRTs typically contain on average 4 lbs of lead (sometimes as much as 7 lbs in older
CRTs), while newer CRTs contain closer to 2 lbs of lead.
Mercury is used in small amount in bulbs to light flat panel computer monitors and notebooks.
Brominated flame retardants are widely used in plastic cases and cables for fire retardancy; the
more problematic ones have been phased out of newer products but remain in older products.
Cadmium was widely used in ni-cad rechargeable batteries for laptops and other portables.
Newer batteries (nickel-metal hydride and lithium ion) do not contain cadmium. PVC is used in
wire and cable sheathing.

2. What is the substances of potencial concern in electronics?
However, primitive recycling techniques such as burning cables for retaining the inherent copper
expose both adult and child workers as well as their families to a range of hazardous substances.
E-waste-connected health risks may result from direct contact with harmful materials such as lead,
cadmium, chromium, brominated flame retardants or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), from
inhalation of toxic fumes, as well as from accumulation of chemicals in soil, water and food. In
addition to its hazardous components, being processed, e-waste can give rise to a number of toxic
by-products likely to affect human health. Furthermore, recycling activities such as dismantling of
electrical equipment may potentially bear an increased risk of injury.
E-toxic components could be summarized as circuit boards containing heavy metals like lead &
cadmium; batteries containing cadmium; cathode ray tubes with lead oxide & barium; brominated
flameretardants used on printed circuit boards, cables and plastic casing; poly vinyl chloride (PVC)
coated copper cables and plastic computer casings that release highly toxic dioxins & furans when
burnt to recover valuable metals; mercury switches; mercury in flat screens; poly chlorinated
biphenyl's (PCB's) present in older capacitors; transformers; etc. Basel Action Network (BAN)
estimates that the 500 million computers in the world contain 2.87 billion kgs of plastics, 716.7
million kgs of lead and 286,700 kgs of mercury. The average 14-inch monitor uses a tube that
contains an estimated 2.5 to 4 kgs of lead. The lead can seep into the ground water from landfills
thereby contaminating it. If the tube is crushed and burned, it emits toxic fumes into the air.

3. What is the substances of potencial concern in electronics?
Arsenic
Arsenic is a poisonous metallic element which is present in dust and soluble substances.
Chronic exposure to arsenic can lead to various diseases of the skin and decrease nerve
conduction velocity. Chronic exposure to arsenic can also cause lung cancer and can often be
fatal.

Barium
Barium is a metallic element that is used in sparkplugs, fluorescent lamps and "getters" in
vacuum tubes. Being highly unstable in the pure form, it forms poisonous oxides when in
contact with air. Short-term exposure to barium could lead to brain swelling, muscle weakness,
damage to the heart, liver and spleen. Animal studies reveal increased blood pressure and
changes in the heart from ingesting barium over a long period of time. The long-term effects of
chronic barium exposure to human beings are still not known due to lack of data on the effects.

Beryllium
Beryllium has recently been classified as a human carcinogen because exposure to it can
cause lung cancer. The primary health concern is inhalation of beryllium dust, fume or mist.
Workers who are constantly exposed to beryllium, even in small amounts, and who become
sensitised to it can develop what is known as Chronic Beryllium Disease (beryllicosis), a
disease which primarily affects the lungs. Exposure to beryllium also causes a form of skin
disease that is characterised by poor wound healing and wart-like bumps. Studies have shown
that people can still develop beryllium diseases even many years following the last exposure.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
The 3 main types of BFRS used in electronic and electrical appliances are Polybrominated
biphenyl (PBB), Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and Tetrabromobisphenol - A
(TBBPA). Flame retardants make materials, especially plastics and textiles, more flame
resistant. They have been found in indoor dust and air through migration and evaporation from
plastics. Combustion of halogenated case material and printed wiring boards at lower
temperatures releases toxic emissions including dioxins which can lead to severe hormonal
disorders. Major electronic manufacturers have begun to phase out brominated flame
retardants because of their toxicity.

Cadmium
Cadmium components may have serious impacts on the kidneys. Cadmium is adsorbed
through respiration but is also taken up with food. Due to the long half-life in the body,
cadmium can easily be accumulated in amounts that cause symptoms of poisoning. Cadmium
shows a danger of cumulative effects in the environment due to its acute and chronic toxicity.
Acute exposure to cadmium fumes causes flu-like symptoms of weakness, fever, headache,
chills, sweating and muscular pain. The primary health risks of long term exposure are lung
cancer and kidney damage. Cadmium also is believed to cause pulmonary emphysema and
bone disease (osteomalacia and osteoporosis). For more information on go
to: http://www.intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/cadmium/ehc135.htm

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
Chlorofluorocarbons are compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, chlorine, and sometimes
hydrogen. Used mainly in cooling units and insulation foam, they have been phased out
because when released into the atmosphere, they accumulate in the stratosphere and have a
deleterious effect on the ozone layer. This results in increased incidence of skin cancer in
humans and in genetic damage in many organisms. For more information go to http://www.c-f-
c.com/supportdocs/cfcs.htm

Chromium
Chromium and its oxides are widely used because of their high condctivity and anti corrosive
properties. While some forms of chromium are non toxic, Chromium (VI) is easily absorbed in
the human body and can produce various toxic effects within cells. Most chromium (VI)
compounds are irritating to eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chronic exposure to chromium
(VI) compounds can cause permanent eye injury, unless properly treated. Chromium VI may
also cause DNA damage. For more information, go
tohttp://www.intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/chromium/ehc61.htm

Dioxins Dioxins and furans are a family of chemicals comprising 75 different types of dioxin
compounds and 135 related compounds known as furans. Dioxins is taken to mean the
family of compounds comprising polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and
polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Dioxins have never been intentionally manufactured,
but form as unwanted by-products in the manufacture of substances like some pesticides as
well as during combustion. Dioxins are known to be highly toxic to animals and humans
because they bio-accumulate in the body and can lead to malformations of the foetus,
decreased reproduction and growth rates and cause impairment of the immune system among
other things. The best-known and most toxic dioxin is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
(TCDD). For further information go
to http://www.deh.gov.au/industry/chemicals/dioxins/pubs/incinfinal.pdf

Lead
Lead is the fifth most widely used metal after iron, aluminium, copper and zinc. It is commonly
used in the electrical and electronics industry in solder, lead-acid batteries, electronic
components, cable sheathing, in the glass of CRTs etc. Short-term exposure to high levels of
lead can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma or even death. Other symptoms are
appetite loss, abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability and headache.
Continued excessive exposure, as in an industrial setting, can affect the kidneys. It is
particularly dangerous for young children because it can damage nervous connections and
cause blood and brain disorders. For more information go tohttp://www.hc-
sc.gc.ca/english/iyh/environment/lead.html and http://www.intox.org/databank/documents/chem
ical/lead/ukpid25.htm.

Mercury
Mercury is one of the most toxic yet widely used metals in the production of electrical and
electronic applications. It is a toxic heavy metal that bioaccumulates causing brain and liver
damage if ingested or inhaled. In electronics and electrical appliances, mercury is highly
concentrated in batteries, some switches and thermostats, and fluorescent lamps. For more
information go tohttp://www.intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/mercury/cie322.htm

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds use in a variety of
applications, including dielectric fluids for capacitors and transformers, heat transfer fluids and
as additives in adhesives and plastics. PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals.
PCBs have also been shown to cause a number of serious non-cancer health effects in
animals, including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system,
endocrine system and other health effects. PCBs are persistent contaminants in the
environment. Due to the high lipid solubility and slow metabolism rate of these chemicals,
PCBs accumulate in the fat-rich tissues of almost all organisms (bioaccumulation). The use of
PCBs is prohibited in OECD countries, however, due to its wide use in the past, it still can be
found in waste electrical and electronic equipment as well as in some other wastes.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most widely-used plastic, used in everyday electronics and
appliances, household items, pipes, upholstrery etc. PVC is hazardous because contains up to
56 percent chlorine which when burned produces large quantities of hydrogen chloride gas,
which combines with water to form hydrochloric acid and is dangerous because when inhaled,
leads to respiratory problems.

Selenium
Exposure to high concentrations of selenium compounds cause selenosis. The major signs of
selenosis are hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological abnormalities (such as numbness and
other odd sensations in the extremities).
1. http://cambodia.usembassy.gov/e-cycling.html
2. http://www.who.int/ceh/risks/ewaste/en/
3. http://ewasteguide.info/hazardous-substances


5- Cite three main problems caused to the environment

This disposal is done when the equipment is defective or becomes obsolete (outdated). The
problem occurs when this material is discarded into the environment. Since these devices
have chemical substances (lead, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, etc..) In their compositions,
may cause contamination of soil and water.

In addition to contaminate the environment, these chemicals can cause serious illness in
people who collect products in landfills, vacant lots or on the street.

These devices are composed also by a large amount of plastic, metal and glass. These
materials take a long time to decompose in the soil.


E-waste is no less harmful than conventional garbage said, on the contrary, it is even more
polluting because of innumerable quantity of highly toxic elements when thrown indiscriminately in
nature. These pollutants are present especially in batteries, capacitors, devices that store energy.
The junk causes serious damage to the environment, since the electronics are sources of heavy
metals, toxic and highly polluting.
The e-waste is very damaging for the environment, because its compositions have a large amount
of plastic, metal and glass,this can take a long time for decompose, and it's highly polluting for the
environment. These poluents can cause serious illness for people who collect products on
landfills, streets and another place and contamine soil and water with lead, cadmium, mercury and
more.


http://www.sermelhor.com.br/ecologia/lixo-eletronico-problema-e-solucoes.html
http://www.atitudessustentaveis.com.br/artigos/lixo-eletronico-uma-ameaca-ambiental-e-social/
http://www.suapesquisa.com/o_que_e/lixo_eletronico.htm



7- What should we do with the electronics and appliances that we no longer use?

The first step should be taken at home, with recycling programs. Electronic waste should always
be separated from organic waste and recyclable materials such as paper, plastic , metal and glass
.In order not to cause contamination and pollution of the environment , the correct is to do disposal
of electronic waste in suitable places, for example, companies and cooperatives working in the
area of recycling locations. -For mobile phones , always look for resellers from your carrier , so
that the batteries can be returned to manufacturers , being dumped in secure locations . - Battery ,
look for the local separate collection of his city -The appliances can be donated to needy people or
places in which the parts can be reused for storing other faulty appliances Furthermore, one must
keep in mind that many people may need what for us is considered obsolete.

http://www.tecmundo.com.br/teclado/2570-lixo-eletronico-o-que-fazer-apos-o-termino-da-vida-util-
dos-seus-aparelhos-.htm
http://www.suapesquisa.com/o_que_e/lixo_eletronico.htm
http://www.pensamentoverde.com.br/reciclagem/onde-descartar-lixo-eletronico-corretamente/


8- How much e-waste is recycled?
The today society has been marked by technology. We produce a lot of electronics constantly
what means that we create more products than we can consume. Electronics become obsolete
faster than ever and this waste overcomes the functional products in so many places. By this way,
lots of trash is accumulated and it is commonly referred by e-waste. The problem about e-waste
are the toxic substances on it and the very low amount that is recycled. The world recycles less
than half of the e-waste produced. When looking to individual places we have a recycle rate
around 75% in Japan-South Korea-Taiwan, around 13% in USA, less than 40% in Europe and
very high amounts in China, some Africas south countries and a controlled rate for Oceania.
S1:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_waste_by_country
S2: https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-e-waste
S3: http://archive.defra.gov.uk/evidence/statistics/environment/waste/kf/wrkf08.htm