RCN MEDIA KIT. RCN e- Cycle Backgrounder. Story Ideas. RCN Associates Backgrounder. CRN Backgrounder. Site List. What is e- waste?

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1 RCN e-cycle MEDIA KIT RCN e- Cycle Backgrounder Story Ideas RCN Associates Backgrounder CRN Backgrounder Site List What is e- waste? Global e- waste Management State- of- the- Art Recycling Technologies Hazardous Recycling Technologies Hazardous Substances in e- waste Valuable Substances in e- waste

2 RCN e-cycle Backgrounder In October 2010 the RCN Group and the Community Recycling Network (CRN) were jointly awarded a government grant of $400,000 to run a project (project 1) that developed a nationwide network of 20 permanent sites for e- waste as well as recycling facilities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, thus providing an environmentally friendly solution for the disposal of electronic goods to communities, households and small businesses throughout New Zealand. "We need to move beyond eday to a permanent solution for New Zealand's electronic waste where we have the capacity to collect and recycle all year round," Minister for the Environment, Dr. Smith said. "This initiative enables us to provide a long- term solution to our electronic waste problem. Project 1 was completed in June 2011 at which time 21 national collection points for e- waste had signed agreements. 16 were in operation and the remaining five began operations between July and September In September 2011, RCN and CRN were awarded an additional $1.2 million for Project 2 which targets increased awareness and education as well as providing for the opening of 15 additional sites by July RCN e- Cycle currently has three national recycling plants operating in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Objectives of Project 2 1. Provide householders, schools and SME s who want to do the right thing with a viable year round alternative to disposal to landfill. 2. Develop and deliver targeted education, promotion and advertising across a range of media, that encourages and supports consumers and SME s to recycle their electronic waste. 3. Work alongside government and key industry participants, advisory, community and business groups to develop a strong recovery and recycling supply chain for e- waste. 4. Build the capacity of the network so it is well placed to manage the large flows of TVs expected as the going digital programme rolls out nationwide.

3 Story Ideas RCN e- Cycle replaces the annual e- Day providing an every day solution for New Zealanders with new sites opening nationwide. Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world and is more toxic than normal household rubbish. Landfill is regarded as a hazardous recycling method for electronics. Will we do the right thing for the next generation and recycle our electronics responsibly? Many of the earth s natural resources are being depleted by the ever expanding electronics market; will we learn to recycle and reuse or will we exhaust our natural supplies? Where are New Zealand s electronics going now and what will it take to make sure that solutions are in place to ensure that they are managed responsibly? What effects will the toxins in electronics that are disposed of irresponsibly have on New Zealand s flora and fauna? Will we remain clean and green? Where are the natural resources found in our electronic components coming from? Are they funding civil wars, wiping out animal populations and destroying habitat in undeveloped countries? Do we pay now to responsibly recycle our electronics or do we pay much more later? With many options currently available in New Zealand for disposing of electronic waste, how do we know where the waste is going and if it is being managed responsibly? The impending Digital Switchover will lead to potential disposal of millions of CRT televisions; how will the nation handle this and will we do the right thing by recycling rather than sending to landfill? RCN e- Cycle launches national marketing campaign and introduces e- Waste robot.

4 RCN Backgrounder The RCN Group is New Zealand based family owned business. Established in 1992 by Joe Capizzi, the company has an impressive track record and has developed into three complementary business units, REMARKETING, E- WASTE and R- LOGISTICS, all operating with the remarketing sector. The business units are designed to stand- alone or provide a complementary, fully integrated and added value solution for customers. With a strong New Zealand base, the RCN Group now also boasts an international presence with a full time member of the TEAM based in Manila looking after the Asian markets. RCN is a distributor of new and used ITC equipment including PCs, laptops, servers, laptop batteries and monitors and has been actively recycling e- waste for corporations, wholesalers, schools and households since RCN operates recycling plants in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. E- waste that cannot be processed in New Zealand is exported to state of the art recycling plants in Singapore where its final disposition can be tracked. The RCN Group s Head office is in Albany, Auckland with logistics operations in Wellington and Christchurch. The desire to achieve at the highest level has been a feature of the company from the outset and is something that will always be deeply embedded in its culture.

5 CRN Community Enterprises working together towards Zero Waste in NZ The Community Recycling Network (CRN) Aotearoa/NZ was founded in 2006 and is an umbrella support organisation representing the interests of members from Kaitaia to Bluff. CRN members are involved in a wide range of waste minimisation, resource recovery & education for sustainability initiatives. They operate or are associated with community enterprises that trade to deliver environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits and work towards zero waste targets for their communities. CRN members who operate drop off sites for recyclables, reusables, scrap metal and organics are well placed to add on additional materials and are actively developing their capacity to operate as depots for product take back schemes. CRN members support in principle the onshore recycling of products in NZ. Eight CRN members currently operate RCN e- Cycle sites. Through the principles of seeking inspiration, fostering connection and community empowerment CRN aims to: Provide an effective voice and focal point for its sector Create a network able to provide support, advice, guidance and mentoring Establish working relationships with key Government agencies and NGO s Develop a strategic plan for coordinated community action Foster partnerships with business and local authorities Work towards a shared Zero Waste future Current members of CRN: Central Otago Wastebusters Alexandra The Blue Door Inc. - Blenheim Southland Enterprises Inc. Invercargill Clean Stream Northland Kaitaia Community, Business and Environment Centre (CBEC) Kaitaia Te Runanga O Te Rarawa Kaitaia Environua Charitable Trust Levin Awhitu Peninsula Landcare Trust Matakawau Hampdon Community Moeraki Panguru Development Trust Northland Waitaki Resource Recovery Trust Oamaru Ahuriri Resource Trust - Otematata Mana Recovery Porirua Helensville Enterprise Trust Rodney Stewart Island Electricity Co. Stewart Island EERST Tauranga Arohena Community Trust Te Awamutu Seagull Centre Trust Thames Clean Stream Waiheke Ltd Waiheke Island Waihemo Wastebusters Waihemo Whitehorse Recycling Trust Waimate Wanaka Wastebusters Wanaka Xtreme Waste Whaingaroa Southland Community Wastebusters Trust Winton

6 Existing Sites Following are the sites already in operation, several more are slated to open within the next two months and there will be at least 35 in operation by June 2012 with a goal of providing everyday electronics recycling options to New Zealander s nationwide. The list will be updated as new sites open. Alexandra - Central Otago Wastebusters Auckland EcoMatters (West), Manukau Beautiful (South) and RCN e- Cycle (North Shore) Christchurch - RCN/Online Distribution Dargaville - Kaipara Refuse Dunedin - Rummage Recovery Store Gisborne - Energy Options Hamilton Kaitaia - Community, Business & Environment Centre (CBEC) Mt Maunganui - Mainfreight Napier - Energy Options Nelson - Nelson Environment Centre Porirua - Trash Palace Queenstown - Queenstown Transfer Station Raglan - Xtreme Waste Silverdale - The Innovation Hub Tauranga - Energy Options Thames - Seagull Centre Salvage Shop Wanaka - Wanaka Wastebusters Whakatane - Energy Options Whangarei - Eco Solutions/CBEC Wellington Seaview RCN Wellington - Central

7 What is Electronic Waste? Electronic waste, e- waste, e- scrap, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) describes old, end- of- life or discarded electrical or electronic devices. In the broadest terms e- waste includes anything with a plug. In narrower terms, and those applied currently at RCN e- Cycle, e- waste includes computers, monitors, televisions, mobile phones, electrical cables, photocopiers, printers, home whiteware (washing machines and dryers), and consumer electronics. Electronic waste is the fastest growing type of waste in the world and is more toxic than normal household rubbish. It contains both valuable materials as well as materials that are highly toxic to humans, plants, and animals, and have been known to contaminate water, air and dirt. Even in developed countries, recycling and disposal of e- waste may involve significant risk to workers and communities and great care must be taken to avoid unsafe exposure in recycling operations and leaching of material such as heavy metals from landfills and incinerator ashes.

8 Global e-waste Management The Supply Chain Many countries have recognised that e- waste management is a shared responsibility between producers, retailers, consumers, recyclers and local government. Regardless of the legislation, there is always a cost to recycling and in most cases the cost will be passed down to the consumer, it s just a matter of when that cost will be incurred at time of purchase or when electronics are recycled. Following is an analysis of the roles and responsibilities in some of the major countries of the world. Country Consumer Local Government Producer Recycler Sweden Switzerland Ireland Japan South Korea USA Consumer can return e- waste free of charge Consumer can return e- waste and pay recycling fee on new product purchases Consumer can return e- waste free of charge to retailers Consumer can return the e- waste to retailers, local government collection companies and pay recycling fee Consumer can return e- waste free of charge to the retailers at the time of purchase of new product, or buy recycling stickers to pay for collection Consumers can return e- waste to retailers at the time of purchase of new product or on a special drop off event, and also at municipal solid waste collection sites Municipalities are responsible for e- waste collection Cantonal authorities have overall control as a licensing authority for recyclers Local enforcement responsibilities Collect e- waste from consumer and transport to designated centre, also collect illegally dumped appliances Collect e- waste from consumer and transport to designated centre; also collect illegally dumped appliances Local government collect and transport e- waste to recycling centres Producers are responsible for the management of e- waste Manage recycling system, setup recycling fees, licensing and auditing recyclers Finance the take back of e- waste, self- comply or join an approved compliance scheme Collection via retailers, setup of designated centre Achievement of mandatory collection/recycling target; construction of collection centres and recycling plants Original equipment manufacturers collect e- waste from consumers Recycling by producer (EL- Krestsen) designated contractors Recyclers need authorisation to operate a recycling facility from the cantonal authorities and a licence from the producer responsibility organisations (PROs) Recyclers collect e- waste for export or extract components and materials before sending off recycling Recycling by producer- designated contractors Recycling via producer consignment Recycling of e- waste and recycling centre during sp

9 State-of-the-Art Recycling Technologies Glass separation at RCN Seaview Plant Electronics Shredding Process Electric arc furnace used to melt metal Keeping the dirty out of recycling your electronics State- of- the- art recycling of e- waste comprises three steps: Detoxication The first step in the recycling process is the removal of critical components from the e- waste in order to avoid dilution of and / or contamination with toxic substances during the downstream processes. Critical components include items such as lead glass from CRT screens. Shredding Mechanical processing is the next step in e- waste treatment, normally an industrial large scale operation to obtain Refining The third step of e- waste recycling is refining. Refining of resources in e- waste is possible and the technical solutions exist to get back to raw with minimal environmental impact. Most of the fractions need to be refined or conditioned in order to be sold as secondary raw materials or to be disposed of in a final disposal site, respectively.

10 Hazardous Recycling Technologies Landfilling With limited options in many areas of New Zealand and an overall lack of awareness of viable options amongst many New Zealanders, it is safe to say that a majority of New Zealand s electronic waste still ends up in landfill. This is especially true of CRT televisions and monitors that cost more to recycle and are not universally excepted by those providing electronics recycling. Landfilling is one of the most widely used methods of waste disposal. However, it is common knowledge that all landfills leak. The leachate often contains heavy metals and other toxic substances that can contaminate ground and water resources. Even state- of- the- art landfills that are sealed to prevent toxins from entering the ground are not completely tight in the long- term. Older landfill sites and uncontrolled dumps pose a much greater danger of releasing hazardous emissions. Mercury, Cadmium and Lead are among the most toxic leachates. Mercury, for example, will leach when certain electronic devices such as circuit breakers are destroyed. Lead has been found to leach from broken lead- containing glass, such as the cone glass of cathode ray tubes from TVs and monitors. When brominated flame retarded plastics or plastics containing cadmium are landfilled, both PBDE and cadmium may leach into soil and groundwater. Similarly, landfilled condensers emit hazardous PCB's. Besides leaching, vaporisation is also of concern in landfills. For example, volatile compounds such as mercury or a frequent modification of it, dimethylene mercury can be released. In addition, landfills are also prone to uncontrolled fires that can release toxic fumes. Significant impacts from landfilling could be avoided by conditioning hazardous materials from e- waste separately and by landfilling only those fractions for which there are no further recycling possibilities. - continued-

11 Hazardous Recycling Technologies (continued) Incineration Incineration is the process of destroying waste through burning. Because of the variety of substances found in e- waste, incineration is associated with a major risk of generating and dispersing contaminants and toxic substances. The gases released during the burning and the residue ash is often toxic. This is especially true for incineration or co- incineration of e- waste with neither prior treatment nor sophisticated flue gas purification. Studies of municipal solid waste incineration plants have shown that copper, which is present in printed circuit boards and cables, acts a catalyst for dioxin formation when flame- retardants are incinerated. These brominated flame retardants when exposed to low temperature ( C) can lead to the generation of extremely toxic polybrominated dioxins (PBDDs) and furans (PBDFs). PVC, which can be found in e- waste in significant amounts, is highly corrosive when burnt and also induces the formation of dioxins. Incineration also leads to the loss of valuable trace elements which could have been recovered had they been sorted and processed separately. Open Burning Since open fires burn at relatively low temperatures, they release many more pollutants than in a controlled incineration process at an MSWI- plant. Inhalation of open fire emissions can trigger asthma attacks, respiratory infections, and cause other problems such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and eye irritation. Chronic exposure to open fire emissions may lead to diseases such as emphysema and cancer. For example, burning PVC releases hydrogen chloride, which on inhalation mixes with water in the lungs to form hydrochloric acid. This can lead to corrosion of the lung tissues, and several respiratory complications. Often open fires burn with a lack of oxygen, forming carbon monoxide, which poisons the blood when inhaled. The residual particulate matter in the form of ash is prone to fly around in the vicinity and can also be dangerous when inhaled.

12 Hazardous Substances in e-waste Recycling yesterday s electronics a greener tomorrow ALL electronic goods are TOXIC and contain different hazardous materials that are harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of responsibly. In fact, each individual piece of electronic equipment can contain enough toxins to make a person (or the earth!) seriously ill. What is the legacy that we will leave for our children and generations to come? Exposure to the toxins found in electronics can lead to: Skin disease Skin cancer Respiratory problems including, pulmonary emphysema, lung embolism, asthma and chronic bronchitis Nose cancer Larynx cancer Damage to the heart, liver and spleen Permanent eye injury Genetic damage Birth defects Malformations of the fetus Decreased reproduction and growth rates Impairment of the immune system Bone disease Prostate cancer Convulsions Blood disorders Brain swelling Damage to nerve connections Neurological abnormalities Muscle weakness Hair loss Coma Death The following is a list of the most commonly found toxic substances in e- waste. Click on each link for full details on the effects each has on human health and the environment. Arsenic Barium Beryllium Brominated Flame Retardents (BFRs) Cadmium Chromium VI Lead Mercury Nickel Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Selenium Yttrium Zinc Sulphide

13 Valuable Substances in e-waste We mine electronics not the earth Electrical and electronic equipment contain various fractions of valuable materials. Most of the valuable substances are found in printed circuit boards, which occur in relevant quantities mainly in the categories office, Information and communication equipment as well as entertainment and consumer electronics. Besides well- known precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium, scarce materials like indium and gallium also start to play an important role, due to their application in new technologies such as flat screens and photovoltaics. The following table presents the composition of a desktop computer and a CRT screen in More than 80% of the weight consists of silica (glass), plastics, iron and aluminium. Precious and scarce materials account for only a small percentage of the total weight. Nevertheless, the concentration of metals, such as gold, is higher in a desktop computer than found in naturally occurring mineral ore.

14 Composition of a Desktop Personal Computer Based on a typical desktop computer, weighing about 27 kilograms Material name Content (% of total weight) Weight of material in computer (kg) Location Plastics Cable, Housing Lead Funnel glass in CRT, PWB Aluminum Housing, CRT, PWB, connectors Germanium < 0.1 PWB Gallium < 0.1 PWB Iron Housing, CRT, PWB Tin PWB, CRT Copper CRT, PWB, connectors Barium < 0.1 Panel glass in CRT Nickel Housing, CRT, PWB Zinc PWB, CRT Tantalum < 0.1 Capacitors, PWB, power supply Indium < 0.1 PWB Vanadium < 0.1 CRT Terbium 0 0 CRT, PWB Beryllium < 0.1 PWB, connectors Gold < 0.1 Europium < 0.1 PWB Titanium < 0.1 Housing Ruthenium < 0.1 PWB Connectivity, conductivity, PWB, connectors Cobalt < 0.1 Housing, CRT, PWB Palladium < 0.1 PWB, connectors Manganese < 0.1 Housing, CRT, PWB Silver < 0.1 Conductivity, PWB, connectors Antinomy < 0.1 Housing, PWB, CRT Bismuth < 0.1 PWB Chromium < 0.1 Housing Cadmium < 0.1 Housing, PWB, CRT Selenium Rectifiers, PWB Niobium < 0.1 Housing Yttrium < 0.1 CRT Rhodium 0 Â PWB Platinum 0 Â PWB Mercury < 0.1 Housing, PWB Arsenic < 0.1 PWB Silica CRT, PWB Source: Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corporation (MCC) Electronics Industry Environmental Roadmap. Austin, TX: MCC.

15 Arsenic Arsenic is one of the most toxic elements that can be found. Present in: Circuit boards LCD displays Computer chips As these electronic parts pile up in landfills, the arsenic present leaches into the soil at those sites affecting the soil chemistry and possibly the ground water composition as well. The incorrect disposal of electronic waste constitutes one of the most dangerous sources of inorganic arsenic into the environment. The arsenic cycle has broadened as a consequence of human interference and due to this, large amounts of arsenic end up in the environment and in living organisms. It cannot be destroyed once it has entered the environment, so that the amounts that we add can spread and cause health effects to humans and animals on many locations on earth. Humans may be exposed to arsenic through food, water and air. Exposure may also occur through skin contact with soil or water that contains arsenic. Health effects in humans Irritation of the stomach and intestines Decreased production of red and white blood cells Decreased immunity Skin changes Lung irritation Infertility Miscarriages Heart disruptions Brain Damage Damage to DNA It is suggested that the uptake of significant amounts of inorganic arsenic can intensify the chances of cancer development, especially the chances of development of skin cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer and lymphatic cancer. Effects on our Environment Plants absorb arsenic fairly easily, so that high- ranking concentrations may be present in food. The concentrations of the dangerous inorganic arsenics that are currently present in surface waters enhance the chances of alteration of genetic materials of fish. This is mainly caused by accumulation of arsenic in the bodies of plant- eating freshwater organisms. Birds eat the fish that already contain eminent amounts of arsenic and will die as a result of arsenic poisoning as the fish is decomposed in their bodies.

16 Barium Barium is a metallic element that is used in sparkplugs, fluorescent lamps and "getters" in vacuum tubes such as CRTs. Being highly unstable in the pure form, it forms poisonous oxides when in contact with air. Many hazardous waste sites contain barium. People that live near them may be exposed to harmful levels through food, water and air. Exposure may also occur through skin contact with soil or water that contains barium. Health effects on humans Brain swelling Muscle weakness Breathing difficulties Increased blood pressure Heart rhythm changes Stomach irritation Changes in nerve reflexes Damage to the heart, liver, kidney and spleen Paralyses Death Effects on our environment Some barium compounds that are released during industrial processes dissolve easily in water and are found in lakes, rivers, and streams. Because of their water- solubility these barium compounds can spread over great distances. When fish and other aquatic organisms absorb the barium compounds, barium will accumulate in their bodies. Animal studies reveal increased blood pressure and changes in the heart from ingesting barium over a long period of time.

17 Beryllium Beryllium is not an element that is crucial for humans; in fact it is one of the most toxic chemicals we know. Present in: Power supply boxes that contain silicon controlled rectifiers X- ray lenses Printed circuit boards High power transistors The primary health concern is inhalation of beryllium dust, fume or mist. Health effects on humans Lung cancer Chronic Beryllium Disease (beryllicosis), a disease that primarily affects the lungs Skin disease characterised by poor wound healing and wart- like bumps

18 Brominated Flame Retardents (BFRs) Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and Tetrabromobisphenol - A (TBBPA). BFRs are commonly used in electronic products as a means of reducing the flammability of the product. Several BFRs have known toxic properties, are highly resistant to degradation in the environment and are able to bioaccumulate (build up in animals and humans). Some are now widespread environmental pollutants, with higher levels generally being found in the atmosphere and rivers close to urban and industrialised areas. The capacity of PBDEs to bioaccumulate in fatty tissue and biomagnify up the food chain, in combination with their persistence and toxicity make this class of chemicals of high concern to the environment and human health. Major electronic manufacturers have begun to phase out BFRs because of their toxicity but they still exist in older electronics. Present in: Printed circuit boards Connectors Plastic covers (computers, printers and televisions) Cables Health effects on humans: High levels of BFRs have been found in the breast milk of women Children, who are at a delicate stage of development, are most vulnerable to adverse health effects. Long- term exposure to even low levels of PCBs can affect the intelligence and learning ability of human children Hypothyroidism

19 Cadmium Cadmium is absorbed through respiration but is also taken up with food. Due to the long half- life in the body, cadmium can easily be accumulated in amounts that cause symptoms of poisoning. Cadmium shows a danger of cumulative effects in the environment due to its acute and chronic toxicity. For electronic waste processing, cadmium exposure can be significant, as it is released in large amounts into the air from zinc, lead, or copper smelters (U.S. EPA, 2009). Electronic waste processors often burn these metals while attempting to acquire the valuable parts from electronic waste. High exposures can occur with people who live near hazardous waste sites or factories that release cadmium into the air. Cadmium can be transported over great distances when it is absorbed by sludge. This cadmium- rich sludge can pollute surface waters as well as soils. Currently, there are no effective methods of treating cadmium exposure at toxic levels. As such, prevention of its entrance into ecosystems needs to take precedence. Present in: Rechargeable NiCd- batteries Fluorescent layer (CRT screens) Printer inks and toners Photocopying- machines (printer drums) Health effects on humans: Lung cancer Kidney damage Damage to the central nervous system Pulmonary emphysema Bone disease Bone fracture Damage to the immune system Psychological disorders Possible DNA damage Flu like symptoms: weakness, fever, headache, chills, sweating, muscular pain Diarrhoea, stomach pains and severe vomiting Effects on our environment Cadmium strongly absorbs organic matter in soils. When cadmium is present in soils it can be extremely dangerous, as the uptake through food will increase. Soils that are acidified enhance the cadmium uptake by plants. This is a potential danger to the animals that are dependent upon the plants for survival. Cadmium can accumulate in their bodies, especially when they eat multiple plants. Cows may have large amounts of cadmium in their kidneys due to this. Earthworms and other essential soil organisms are extremely susceptible to cadmium poisoning. They can die at very low concentrations and this has consequences for the soil structure. When cadmium concentrations in soils are high they can influence soil processes of microorganisms and threaten the whole soil ecosystem. In aquatic ecosystems cadmium can bio accumulate in mussels, oysters, shrimps, lobsters and fish. Animals eating or drinking cadmium sometimes suffer high blood- pressure, liver disease and nerve or brain damage.

20 Lead Lead is the fifth most widely used metal after iron, aluminium, copper and zinc. It is one out of four metals that have the most damaging effects on human health. It can enter the human body through uptake of food, water and air. Lead is a particularly dangerous chemical, as it can accumulate in individual organisms, but also in entire food chains. Lead has no known role in the human body, and even more importantly, no safe level of exposure to lead has been discovered (i.e. any level of lead exposure can lead to detrimental health outcomes). Lead can stay in the body for long periods of time and affects all functions of the body. It can often be deposited in the bone and teeth. Lead cannot be broken down; it can only be converted to other forms. Present in: Computer screens Televisions screens Solder Lead- acid batteries Health effects on humans: Blood disorders Brain disorders Damaged nerve connections in young children leading to ADHD, learning disabilities, poor hand- eye coordination, and decreased IQ performance Kidney damage Abdominal pain Appetite loss Vomiting Diarrhea Electronic components Cable sheathing Printed wiring boards Constipation Fatigue Sleeplessness Irritability Headache Hypertension Lowers male fertility Convulsions Coma Death Effects on the environment: World production of new lead is 6 million tonnes a year, and workable reserves total are estimated 85 million tonnes, which is less than 15 year's supply. Lead accumulates in the bodies of water organisms and soil organisms. These will experience health effects from lead poisoning. Health effects on shellfish can take place even when only very small concentrations of lead are present. Body functions of phytoplankton can be disturbed when lead interferes. Phytoplankton is an important source of oxygen production in seas and many larger sea- animals eat it. That is why we now begin to wonder whether lead pollution can influence global balances. Soil functions are disturbed by lead intervention, especially near highways and farmlands, where extreme concentrations may be present. Soil organisms suffer from lead poisoning, too.

21 Mercury Mercury is one of the most toxic yet widely used metals in the production of electrical and electronic applications. It is a toxic heavy metal that bioaccumulates causing brain and liver damage if ingested or inhaled. It can exist in the environment as either a gas, liquid or as solid particles. This enables mercury to enter ecosystems through multiple avenues. Mercury can enter the environment through the improper disposal of fluorescent tubes, tilt switches (switches in thermostats and other mechanical devices), older computers, and batteries. Once in the environment, mercury can have very harmful effects, especially because it does not filter quickly. Present in: Fluorescent lamps that provide backlighting in LCDs Alkaline batteries Switches Health effects on humans: Disruption of the nervous system Damage to brain functions Degradation of learning abilities Personality changes Tremors Vision changes Deafness Muscle incoordination Memory loss DNA damage and chromosomal damage. Chromosomal damage is known to cause mongolism. Allergic reactions, resulting in skin rashes, tiredness and headaches Negative reproductive effects, such as sperm damage, birth defects and miscarriages Effects on the environment: Organisms can be exposed to mercury through contact with exposed substances, such as earthworms in soil or fish in water, or through ingestion of already contaminated organisms or materials, such as grazers eating plants from contaminated soil. Once mercury has reached surface waters or soils microorganisms can convert it to methyl mercury, a substance that can be absorbed quickly by most organisms and is known to cause nerve damage. Fish absorb great amounts of methyl mercury from surface waters every day. As a consequence, methyl mercury can accumulate in fish and in the food chains that they are part of.

22 Nickel Humans may be exposed to nickel by breathing air, drinking water, or eating food. Skin contact with nickel- contaminated soil or water may also result in nickel exposure. In small quantities nickel is essential, but when the uptake is too high it can be a danger to human health. Nickel is released into the air by power plants and trash incinerators. It will than settle to the ground or fall down after reactions with raindrops. It usually takes a long time for nickel to be removed from air. Nickel can also end up in surface water when it is a part of wastewater streams. Present in: Rechargeable NiCd- batteries or NiMH- batteries Electron gun in CRT Health effects on humans: Lung cancer Nose cancer Larynx cancer Prostate cancer Lung embolism Respiratory failure Birth defects Asthma and chronic bronchitis Heart disorders Effects on our environment High nickel concentrations on sandy soils can clearly damage plants and in surface waters can diminish the growth rates of algae. Microorganisms can also suffer from growth decline due to the presence of nickel, but they usually develop resistance to nickel after a while. For animals nickel is an essential foodstuff in small amounts. But nickel is not only favourable as an essential element; it can also be dangerous when the maximum tolerable amounts are exceeded. This can cause various kinds of cancer on different sites within the bodies of animals, mainly of those that live near refineries.

23 PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds use in a variety of applications. They are persistent contaminants in the environment. Due to the high lipid solubility and slow metabolism rate of these chemicals, PCBs accumulate in the fat- rich tissues of almost all organisms (bioaccumulation). PCBs may also collect in milk fat and be transmitted to infants through breast- feeding. Individuals can be exposed to PCBs through breathing in contaminated air, consuming contaminated food, and by skin contact with old electrical equipment that contain PCBs. Once exposed, some PCBs may change to other chemicals inside the body. The use of PCBs is prohibited in OECD countries, however, due to its wide use in the past, it still can be found in waste electrical and electronic equipment as well as in some other wastes. Present in: Condensers Transformers Heat transfer fluids Additives in adhesives and plastics Health effects on humans: Probable human carcinogens Immune system suppression Skin conditions including chloracne, rashes, ocular lesions Blood disorders Liver damage Irregular menstrual cycles Fatigue Headaches Coughes Poor cognitive development in children Effects on our environment: PCBs have been shown to cause cancer in animals. PCBs have also been shown to cause a number of serious non- cancer health effects in animals, including effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other health effects.

24 PVC Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most widely- used plastic, used in everyday electronics and appliances, household items, pipes, and upholstery. PVC is the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective, posing major hazards in its manufacture, product life and disposal. When incinerated, PVCs have the potential to transform into some of the most toxic chemicals ever made by humans, dioxins and furans. Chlorinated dioxins are generated from the burning of PVC plastic and have been classified as one of the top global pollutants by the International Stockholm Convention. The use of flexible PVC in electrical and electronic goods presents some particular problems. Firstly, the hazardous phthalate plasticizers most commonly used can leach out during the lifetime of a product, adding to overall contaminant levels in the indoor environment. When they enter the waste stream, electronics have all too often ended up being sent to countries such as China for crude recycling. Here the plastic is often simply burnt in a way that exposes people directly to toxic chemicals including chlorinated dioxins. In landfills, some of the chemical additives contained in PVC may leach out, adding to the overall contaminant burden of landfill leachate. Present in: Insulators Coating for electrical cables Power chords Dioxin (the most potent carcinogen known), ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride are unavoidably created in production of PVC and can cause severe health problems. Health effects in humans: Cancer Endocrine disruption Endometriosis Neurological damage Birth defects & impaired child development Reproductive and immune system damage Effects on our environment: As a persistent bioaccumulative toxin (PBT), it does not breakdown rapidly and travels around the globe, accumulating in fatty tissue and concentrating as it goes up the food chain. Dioxins from Louisiana manufacturing plants migrate on the winds and concentrate in Great Lakes fish. Dioxins are even found in hazardous concentrations in the tissues of whales and polar bears and in Inuit mother's breast milk.

25 Selenium Selenium is a naturally occurring element in the environment. It is rarely found in its elemental form but rather found in compound with other elements. For humans, selenium is a key mineral required for healthy living and an appropriate amount is usually consumed through food or water. People that live near hazardous waste- sites will experience a higher exposure through soil and air. Selenium from hazardous waste- sites and from farmland will end up in groundwater or surface water through irrigation. This phenomenon causes selenium to end up in local drinking water, so that exposure to selenium through water will be temporarily increased. Present in: Circuit boards Photosensitive drums in photocopiers Photocells Light Meters Solar Cells Health effects of overexposure in humans: Accumulation of fluid in the lungs Garlic breath Bronchitis Pneumonitis Bronchial asthma Nausea Fever Headache Sore throat Shortness of breath Conjunctivitis Vomiting Abdominal pain Diarrhea Enlarged liver Red staining of the nails, teeth and hair Hair loss Nail brittleness Neurological Effects on our environment: There is evidence selenium can accumulate in the body tissues of organisms and can then be passed up through the food chain. Usually this bio magnification of selenium starts when animals eat a lot of plants that have been absorbing large amounts of selenium, prior to digestion. Due to irrigation run- off concentrations of selenium tend to be very high in aquatic organisms in many areas.

26 Yttrium Yttrium is dumped in the environment in many different places, mainly by petrol- producing industries. It can also enter the environment when household equipment is thrown away. Yttrium will gradually accumulate in soils and water soils and this will eventually lead to increasing concentrations in humans, animals and soil particles. Present in: Colour television picture tubes Health effects on humans: Lung disease Lung cancer Liver damage Effects on our environment: With water animals yttrium causes damage to cell membranes, which has several negative influences on reproduction and on the functions of the nervous system.

27 Zinc Sulphide Zinc is a naturally occurring element. Exposure to high levels of zinc occurs mostly from eating food, drinking water, or breathing workplace air that is contaminated. Low levels of zinc are essential for maintaining good health. Zinc occurs naturally in air, water and soil, but zinc concentrations are rising unnaturally, due to addition of zinc through human activities. Children living near waste sites that contain zinc may be exposed to higher levels of zinc through breathing contaminated air, drinking contaminated drinking water, touching or eating contaminated soil. Although humans can handle proportionally large concentrations of zinc, too much zinc can still cause eminent health problems. Present in: CRT screens Health effects on humans: Stomach cramps Anemia Changes in cholesterol levels Skin irritations Vomiting Damage pancreas Disturb protein metabolism Arteriosclerosis Respiratory disorders Effects on our environment: Water is polluted with zinc, due to the presence of large quantities of zinc in the wastewater of industrial plants. This wastewater is not purified satisfactorily. One of the consequences is that rivers are depositing zinc- polluted sludge on their banks. Zinc may also increase the acidity of waters. Some fish can accumulate zinc in their bodies, when they live in zinc- contaminated waterways. When zinc enters the bodies of these fish it is able to bio magnify up the food chain. Large quantities of zinc can be found in soils. When the soils of farmland are polluted with zinc, animals will absorb concentrations that are damaging to their health. Water- soluble zinc that is located in soils can contaminate groundwater. Zinc cannot only be a threat to cattle, but also to plant species. Plants often have a zinc uptake that their systems cannot handle, due to the accumulation of zinc in soils. On zinc- rich soils only a limited number of plants have a chance of survival. That is why there is not much plant diversity near zinc- disposing factories. Due to the effects upon plants zinc is a serious threat to the productions of farmlands. Despite of this zinc- containing manures are still applied. Finally, zinc can interrupt the activity in soils, as it negatively influences the activity of microorganisms and earthworms. The breakdown of organic matter may seriously slow down because of this.