Electronic Trash

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the environmental hazards caused by the dumping of old or broken electronic equipment. This phenomenon occurs mainly in Third World countries, with most of the dumped equipment ending up in Asia. The paper explains the environmental and health problems caused by the electronic garbage. The paper explores various solutions to the problem.

From the Paper:

"Most of the world's electronic trash -- especially old computers -- is dumped in the third world countries, resulting severe environmental problems and illnesses among residents. A latest news agency declares that about 80 percent of the world's electronic trash is imported to Asia every year, and about 90 percent of which ends up in China (Chandran, 2002). The large amount of electronic trash dumped in Chinese cities has created serious health hazards for residents living across these cities. Although Chinese authorities have listed Guangdong's towns of Guiyu, Longtang and Dali and other areas as the country's major collection and distribution centers for electronic trash, these areas now have become a health hazard. The health problems arise through cathode ray tubes (CRTs), and any device that might hold them. CRTs contain lead and other chemicals that leach from landfills into groundwater."

More papers on Electronic Trash:

• Analytical Essay # 58918 : "Electronic Waste"
• Analytical Essay # 124633 : "Social Theory and Picking Up Trash"
• Essay # 73086 : "Trash Collection "

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