Electronic Waste Environmental Effects
E-Waste Poses a Very Real Environmental Threat -Recycling Your Wireless Cell Phones, PDA's, Pagers and Digital Cameras Can Help Protect the Earth
Studies have consistently shown that electronic waste from devices like mobile phones, PDA's and digital cameras contains toxins that are damaging to our environment. That is why recycling charity donations are so important. When you donate your cell phone, you are helping to keep toxic elements out of landfills. Consider the harm you are averting when you donate cell phones to charity:
Element |
Use in
Wireless Technology |
Harmful Effects |
Lead |
Used primarily in soldering of
|
Extremely harmful to the human body; damages both the central and peripheral nervous systems; can cause seizures, retardation, high blood pressure, damage to the kidneys and liver; adversely affects child development |
Beryllium |
Forms significant portions of electrical connectors and |
Long term exposure can be carcinogenic, especially for the lungs. Extreme exposure can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as Acute Beryllium Disease |
Arsenic |
Used in some integrated circuits |
Arsenic is a notoriously potent poison; causes severe damage to the digestive tract |
Mercury |
Can be found to a degree in |
Attacks the central nervous and endocrine systems; harmful to mouth, teeth and gums; poses risk in the neurological development of unborn fetuses |
Antimony |
Used in production of diodes |
Toxic to humans in ways similar to arsenic; fatal in large doses |
Cadmium |
Used in soldering, semiconductors and chip resistors |
Potentially carcinogenic; Repeated exposure can damage the lungs, kidneys and liver |
The potential dangers are obvious. Recycling for Charities is committed to preventing such hazards from contaminating the environment. Through our fundraising recycling programs and the help you provide when you donate your old wireless phones, PDA's, Palm Pilots and digital cameras, we can combat this problem and preserve our environment for future generations. Get started recycling for charities today! It is free, easy and rewarding.