E-Waste and Its Impact on Our Planet

Have you ever considered what happens to your television, cordless phone, or MP3 player after it breaks or becomes obsolete? Consumer electronics produce approximately 3 million tons of commodity and electronic waste, or e-waste, every year. Where does e-waste go after it is thrown out, and how does its byproduct affect the environment and your health?
Due to the difficulty found in the cost of recycling electronics and poor enforcement of legislation with respect to the export of e-waste, huge amounts of used electronic components are sent to China, Kenya, and India. Though very hazardous, processing of e-waste is more profitable due to low environmental standards and working conditions in these countries. It is important to be considerate about e-waste disposal. There are facilities available that specialize in dealing with hazardous material properly.
E-waste can be a great source of extra raw materials if electronic scraps are properly dealt with and correctly organized. When mishandled, however, they can generate excessive toxins and carcinogens. Throughout the world a lot of problems have cropped up due to fast paced technology changes, actual planned obsolescence, and low initial cost. Environmental and health problems are being caused by disassembly without safety measures, uncontrolled burning, and haphazard disposal.
The waste that remains from consumer electronics consists of lead, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and cadmium. Besides being very toxic, PCB's have been blamed for causing cancer in many studies. If they are not disposed of correctly, they can contaminate soil and water, and sooner or later will enter the food chain. Toxic fumes are generated when waste materials are burned, which not only depletes the ozone level, but also creates health hazards when people inhale the fumes. The central nervous system is affected by mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can cause damage to cells and lead to renal failure.
Don't forget about this the next time you are tempted to just toss away old batteries or electronic gadgets that you no longer want or need. Our environment can be saved by proper disposal of waste through an e-waste recycling center. Consideration as to the use, reuse, and disposal of consumer electronics is essential due to the potential environmental and health problems improper disposal can cause.
As a home theater installer, Vic Metten knows that using HDMI cables assures optimal picture quality for HD TVs. When installing surround sound, Vic always uses hifi speaker cables to guarantee the clear, crisp sound one would expect from the home theater experience.