Technology and Toxic Waste: The Deadly Consequences of Improper Disposal

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the severe environmental and health consequences of improper disposal of electronic waste, particularly in Guiyu, China. It details the hazardous practices, such as the open burning of plastic and the use of aqua regia for gold extraction, which expose workers to toxic fumes and lead contamination. The publication of these issues aims to raise awareness among the local population about the dangers associated with e-waste recycling. The conversation underscores the critical need for safety precautions in technology handling and waste management.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electronic waste management practices
  • Knowledge of hazardous materials, specifically lead and phosphor dust
  • Familiarity with chemical processes, particularly aqua regia
  • Awareness of environmental regulations regarding waste disposal
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the environmental impact of e-waste recycling in developing countries
  • Learn about safe disposal methods for electronic waste
  • Investigate regulations surrounding hazardous materials in technology
  • Explore advancements in sustainable e-waste recycling technologies
USEFUL FOR

Environmental scientists, waste management professionals, and policymakers focused on electronic waste regulations and public health safety will benefit from this discussion.

d.bri
without the constant pressure of upgrade much of the following would not be
happening:


http://www.svtc.org/cleancc/pubs/photos.htm

"
Woman about to smash a cathode ray tube from a computer monitor in order to remove the copper laden yoke at the end of the funnel. The glass is laden with lead but the biggest hazard from this is the inhalation of the highly toxic phosphor dust coating inside. Monitor glass is later dumped in irrigation canals and along the river where it leaches lead into the groundwater. The groundwater in Guiyu is completely contaminated to the point where fresh water is trucked in constantly for drinking purposes. Guiyu, China. December 2001. Copyright Basel Action Network

Open burning of plastic encased metal printer and motor parts. Open burning of plastics and other material is common in order to reduce the waste to metals. Guiyu, China. December 2001. Copyright Basel Action Network.

Laborer heating aqua regia -- a mixture of 5% pure nitric acid and 75% pure hydrochloric acid -- a mixture that will dissolve gold. Without any resiratory protection workers inhale acid fumes, chlorine and sulphur dioxide gas all day as they swirl computer chips removed from circuit boards in acid to collect tiny amounts of gold. The sludges from the process are dumped directly into the river. Guiyu, China. December 2001. Copyright Basel Action Network. "
 
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High tech always has these problems. Trains and Cars killed people (still do!) who don't understand them or can't keep their wits about them. The publication of these cases in China will help to educate the rural population.
 
That doesn't really have anything to do with software, but it was interesting non-the-less.
 
software is conceptual and mathmatic, technology is the culprit. what about that Colorado nuke facility, was it TRW that dumped nuke waste (nuke u lar, its pronounced nuke u lar) and the govt shut it down; now the govt wants to make the area a park in a couple of years?

or you could say not following safety precautions kills people, and that's a real problem that cannot be over stated.

but you take a risk getting out of bed, crossing the street, or sticking your face in a fan.
 

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