The Need for Mandatory Electronics Recycling

is in need of laws that promote safe, effective electronics recycling. In general, electronics can contain many different toxins that are harmful to humans. As a society, we need to be aware of these potential hazards and find ways to effectively deal with the hazards. Consumers, manufacturers and governments need to work together and share the responsibility for electronics recycling. 

Electronics have many potential hazards. Electronic waste in general contains many toxin such as lead, cadmium and brominated flame retardant (Consumer Reports, 1). When these toxins are discarded into landfills, they can seep into the soil and contaminate the food and water supplies or they can be released into the air. These toxins negatively effect the human nervous system, brain and liver (Powell, 1).


According to many different studies, electronics equipment manufacturing is one of the most hazardous processes for the environment. This is especially true of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors. Many televisions and computer monitors are CRTs.

The CRT monitor contains about 4 pounds of lead in the form of lead oxide. Lead oxide is one of the most hazardous chemicals used in the monitor. According to Mohamad Neilforosham, lab experiments have shown that “lead has a cumulative effect in the cells and most body organs, which results in harmful or even fatal effects after exposure” (95). Lead oxide can contaminate the ground, the water supply and the air. Lead oxide is poisonous to humans and can be fatal if ingested.

CRT monitors also contain a very complex glass composition which is very hazardous to manufacture. CRT monitor manufacturers use many different oxides as stabilizers and for x-ray absorption. The oxides used include strontium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, lead oxide, cadmium oxide and other oxides. These oxides can lead to various health problems if not treated properly.