Describe what e-wastes are and why they are a problem

What will be an ideal response?


E-wastes are the rapidly growing numbers of cell phones, computer components, fax machines, televisions, VCRs, and other electronic equipment that are turning up in landfills as they become obsolete and thus unwanted. These items contain toxic metals such as cadmium and lead that can pose a danger to the environment and human health if released into the air (via incineration) or water (via leakage into groundwater). Some e-wastes may also contain lithium and other substances that can explode if they are exposed to heat, such as the heat in an incinerator. Many discarded electronic devices can be disassembled for recycling. Cell phones contain gold, and many recycling companies are more than willing to collect used cell phones to harvest the gold and other valuable components. Although recycling rates have improved in the last decade, the vast majority of e-wastes are still ending up in landfills and incinerators.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Which of the following is incorrect?

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Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences