Environmental Effects of Computers By The Machine Facts

Environmental Effects of Computers By The Machine

Facts • In 2014, approximately 41. 8 million tons of ewaste was generated worldwide. • The quantity included 12. 8 million tons of small equipment • 11. 8 million tons of large equipment • 7. 0 million tons of temperature exchange equipment • The amount of worldwide e-waste generation is expected to be 49. 8 million tons in 2018 with an annual 4 -5 percent growth.

Dangers of E-waste • Harmful Effects Caused by Improper Computer & Electronic Waste Recycling. Electronic waste affects nearly every system in the human body because they contain a plethora of toxic components including Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Polybrominated Flame Retardants, Barium and Lithium. • Informal processing of e-waste in developing countries can lead to adverse human health effects and environmental pollution

Where does E-waste go? • In the UK alone, at least 23, 000 metric tonnes of undeclared or 'grey' market electronic waste was illegally shipped in 2003 to the Far East, India, Africa and China. In the US, it is estimated that 50 -80 percent of the waste collected for recycling is being exported in this way. • Only 12. 5% of e-waste is recycled, according to the EPA. Based on e-waste disposal rates, Americans throw out phones containing over $60 million in gold and/or silver every year

Environmental Effects of Computers on the World • Pollution - Air, water, heat and noise pollution can all be caused by producing and using technology • Consuming resources - Non-renewable resources, including precious metals like gold, are used to make technology. Many others, such as coal, are consumed to generate the electricity to use technology. • Disrupting ecology - Clearing land where animals used to live to build factories and allowing pollution to contaminate the food chain can greatly affect the environment's natural cycles.