Which hazardous materials can be found in discarded electronic devices?

Discarded electronic devices, commonly referred to as electronic waste (e-waste), contain a complex mixture of hazardous substances that pose significant risks to human health and the environment if not managed properly.12

Key hazardous materials found in these devices include:

• Lead: Frequently found in printed circuit boards, computer and television screens, and cathode ray tubes.1
• Cadmium: Present in semiconductors, chip resistors, and circuit boards.1
• Mercury: Often located in switches and flat-screen monitors.1
• Brominated flame retardants: Commonly used on printed circuit boards.1
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): These substances can accumulate in landfills and contribute to soil and water contamination.1
• Arsenic: Another toxic substance that can leach into the environment from improperly disposed e-waste.1

Improper handling, such as open burning or primitive recycling methods, can release these toxins into the air, soil, and water, leading to severe health issues like neurological disorders, kidney and liver damage, and an increased risk of cancer.1