What's Really In Your Everyday Household Electronics?
Chances are if you’re reading this blog post, you are probably familiar with the dangers of improperly disposing of your old, unwanted household electronics. Here at Sunnking, we are well aware of all of the highly toxic elements that are found in these everyday household appliances. If these appliances are not recycled correctly, it can be harmful to the environment and to you. Here are some harmful chemicals that can be leached into the environment that are found in your everyday household appliances.
Mercury: We all know that mercury is a dangerous substance. What makes it especially frightening is the fact that it can be found in a handful of our household items including lamps, LCD screens projectors, old microwaves, fluorescent lights, and laptop computers. Mercury can have tolling health effects, such as impaired brain development for children and damage to the nervous system. Fortunately products containing mercury can be recycled.
Lead: Lead is most commonly found in CRT monitors and batteries. 20 percent of CRTs are comprised of lead, which is equivalent to between 4 and 8 pounds per unit! Although a decent amount of cell phone batteries are now made of cadmium and nickel, there are some alternative batteries that contain a large amount of toxic lead and potentially explosive lithium. Lead can also have serious health effects on the brain and nervous system. Fortunately lead also can be recycled.
Cadmium: Cadmium is most commonly found in batteries. Approximately 80% of all nickel-cadmium batteries are sealed in appliances, so you may not even know that you are improperly disposing the cadmium. Cadmium has the potential to cause respiratory issues that can lead to respiratory tract issues and even kidney problems. Cadmium fortunately can be recycled.
PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride is the most environmentally damaging plastic. It is found in cell phones, computer keyboards, cables, computer plastics, fax and printer plastics, cable sheathings, and telephone cables. Unfortunately less than .5% of all PVC is recycled. Since so many additives are used to produce PVCs, it is almost impossible to initiate large scale recycling of PVC products. PVC can cause immune system damage, hormone disruption, and even cancer. Even thought PVC cannot be recycled, there are alternatives to PVC that are safer for us and the environment.
PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls are found in microwaves, computers, transformers. PCBs were banned in 1979, but they still may be present in older electronics and household items. PCBs has the potential to cause physical issues ranging from cancer, endocrine issues, reproductive issues, to neurological effects. PCBs can be recycled. However, Sunnking does not accept items that contain PCBs.
Getting your household products disassembled and recycled properly is something that you and your family should make a priority. It ensures the safety of you, your family, and the environment. Click here to learn more about the responsible recycling that goes on at Sunnking as well as a list of our accepted materials.