Technology and Toxic Waste: The Deadly Consequences of Improper Disposal

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In summary, without the constant pressure of upgrades, the hazardous practices occurring in Guiyu, China would not be happening. These practices include the smashing of cathode ray tubes from computer monitors, open burning of plastic encased metal parts, and the use of highly toxic chemicals without proper respiratory protection. These actions lead to the contamination of groundwater and air, posing serious health risks to the workers and residents of Guiyu. The publication of these cases in China is important for educating the rural population about the dangers of improper e-waste disposal. However, this issue is not exclusive to software as technology itself is the culprit. Similar problems have occurred in other industries, such as the nuclear facility in Colorado. Ultimately, not following safety precautions can have fatal consequences
  • #1
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
That doesn't really have anything to do with software, but it was interesting non-the-less.
 
  • #4
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.
 

What does it mean when people say "software kills people"?

When people say "software kills people", they are referring to the potential dangers and risks associated with software and technology. This phrase highlights the fact that software, if not properly designed, tested, or used, can lead to serious consequences and even harm individuals.

How can software be responsible for causing harm or death?

Software can cause harm or death in a variety of ways. For example, if the software is used to control critical systems or equipment, a bug or error in the code could lead to malfunctions or accidents. Additionally, software can also be used to gather sensitive personal information, which can be exploited or used for malicious purposes.

Who is responsible for ensuring the safety of software?

The responsibility for ensuring the safety of software lies with the developers, testers, and users. Developers must thoroughly test their code and consider potential risks before releasing it to the public. Testers must identify and report any issues or bugs they find during the testing process. Users must also be cautious and use software responsibly, following proper instructions and guidelines.

Is there any regulation or oversight for software safety?

Currently, there is no specific regulation or government agency dedicated to overseeing software safety. However, different industries may have their own regulations and standards for software safety, such as the medical or aerospace industries. Additionally, some countries may have laws or guidelines in place to ensure the safety of software used by government agencies or critical systems.

What can be done to prevent harm caused by software?

To prevent harm caused by software, it is essential to prioritize safety during the development process. This includes extensive testing, identifying and addressing potential risks, and implementing proper security measures. It is also crucial for users to be aware of the potential dangers and use software responsibly, following proper instructions and guidelines.

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