“Environment” And The High-Tech Trash
Being the first class to attend the Science Centre Lecture on "The Environment" was thrilling. We learned many things about the enviroment and how they affected us. We knew, after being lectured there, that our carbon monoxide emissions (cars, buses, etc.) are causing the global catastrophe, Global Warming. Thanks to “we” stupid humans, who generally want money, our existence and others without caring that we share Mother Earth with our primates and other animals. We, citizens of Mother Earth are only leaving the jobs of cleaning up our mess to the scientists. As Wei Chong said during the lecture: “Kill humans! It’s the only way to stop it!” It’s true, we should be punished. Every single garbage bag is considered a year’s savings for a poor family. Can’t you see? We are wasting more than what MOTHER NATURE has expected. And, every single bag of trash is so useful that it may also turn into a dynamo. We have cracked our lives and we do not want it to shatter.So please, it’s just as simple as the 3Rs nothing more than that. Reduce, Reuse & Reduce !
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Now, I’m going to tell you guys the fate of high-tech trash that causes damages to Mother Nature. When we upgrade our electronics goods and throw always the old models, a growing percentage are recycled but most goes to landfills, with a tiny fraction incinerated. Personal computers and other electronics contain parts that pose no danger in daily use but become toxic without proper disposal. Here is how a simple laptop or computer can kill more than a million lives. (Following Information are from National Geographic Jan’8 issue)
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Computer plastic casing contains:
*PVC-Incinerating this can produce highly toxic dioxins.
*Brominated Flame Retardants- This group of compounds may cause thyroid damage and harm fetal development.
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Circuit Boards contains:
*Lead – A neurotoxin, it also harms the kidneys and reproductive system. Even low-level lead exposure can impair a child’s mental development.
*Mercury- linked to brain and kidney damage: harmful to a developing fetus. It can be passed through breast milk.
*Brominated Flame Retardants- This group of compounds may cause thyroid damage and harm fetal development.
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Batteries (Laptops) contains:
*Cadmium – Long term exposure to this carcinogen damages kidneys and bones
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Motherboards and Connectors contains:
*Beryllium – A carcinogen, beryllium dust causes lung disease.
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I’ll stop here to avoid the faint-hearted.
.
Now, I’m going to tell you guys the fate of high-tech trash that causes damages to Mother Nature. When we upgrade our electronics goods and throw always the old models, a growing percentage are recycled but most goes to landfills, with a tiny fraction incinerated. Personal computers and other electronics contain parts that pose no danger in daily use but become toxic without proper disposal. Here is how a simple laptop or computer can kill more than a million lives. (Following Information are from National Geographic Jan’8 issue)
.
Computer plastic casing contains:
*PVC-Incinerating this can produce highly toxic dioxins.
*Brominated Flame Retardants- This group of compounds may cause thyroid damage and harm fetal development.
.
Circuit Boards contains:
*Lead – A neurotoxin, it also harms the kidneys and reproductive system. Even low-level lead exposure can impair a child’s mental development.
*Mercury- linked to brain and kidney damage: harmful to a developing fetus. It can be passed through breast milk.
*Brominated Flame Retardants- This group of compounds may cause thyroid damage and harm fetal development.
.
Batteries (Laptops) contains:
*Cadmium – Long term exposure to this carcinogen damages kidneys and bones
.
Motherboards and Connectors contains:
*Beryllium – A carcinogen, beryllium dust causes lung disease.
.
I’ll stop here to avoid the faint-hearted.
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