Improperly disposed of consumer electronics threaten the health of every living thing.
Upcycling is safe, responsible and stops toxic e-Waste!
The toxins that harm us
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. Arsenic may disrupt cell communication and interfere with the triggers that cause cells to grow, possibly contributing to cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes if someone is exposed in chronic, low doses. Chronic exposure to arsenic can also cause lung cancer and can often be fatal.
Barium produces brain swelling after a short exposure. It may cause weakness in muscles as well as heart, liver, and spleen damage.
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 sensitized to it can develop what is known as Chronic Beryllium Disease (beryllicosis), a disease which primarily
“According to the nonprofit group World Computer Exchange, an average computer can contain up to 1,000 toxins, including lead, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals that are known to damage the nervous system, kidneys, and brain, and to cause cancer and birth defects”
UN Cities E-Waste as Health Hazard by Deborah Mitchell
February 23, 2010
affects the lungs. Exposure to beryllium also causes a form of skin disease that is characterized 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. Beryllium causes acute or chronic beryllium disease, a deadly ailment affecting the lungs.
Brominated flame retardants have been linked to fetal damage and thyroid problems.
Cadmium is a carcinogen and long-term exposure leads to kidney and bone damage. Cadmium components may have serious impacts on the kidneys. Cadmium is absorbed 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).
Copper can irritate the throat and lungs and affect the liver, kidneys and other body systems.
Hexavalent chromium damages kidneys, the liver, and DNA. Asthmatic bronchitis has been linked to this substance.
Lead is toxic to the kidneys, accumulating in the body and eventually affecting the nervous and reproductive systems. Children’s mental development can be impaired by low-level exposure to lead. Eventually, lead exposure can cause paralysis, coma and death.
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.
Lead is toxic to the kidneys, accumulating in the body and eventually affecting the nervous and reproductive systems. Children’s mental development can be impaired by low-level exposure to lead. Eventually, lead exposure can cause paralysis, coma and death.
Nickel is carcinogenic in large doses.
PVC, when burned, produces dioxins, some of the most hazardous carcinogens known.
Nickel is a carcinogenic in large doses.
National Geographic, David W. Woodell