A complex mixture of several hundred of materials is used in the electronic devices. For example, a mobile phone contains about five hundred to one thousand such components. Several of these are made of toxic heavy metals such as mercury. Mercury is used in the devices of lighting in flat displays. It is a heavy metal, and its effects of toxicity are more significant on the health of human (Landau 7). The human internal structures can severely be damaged even by the mercury fumes. In particular, it damages brain, kidneys, as well as the nervous system. Its effects can be felt by both children and adults even at the low level of exposure (Larson 14). For this reason, there is a need to replace mercury from the phone displays to reduce health complications.
Importance of the Topic
This topic, alternative to the replacement of mercury from phone displays is helpful in the understanding of the health hazards and environmental concerns. Normally, the problem of toxic mercury arises out of the improper disposal and recycling methods. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate technology for disposal and handling these chemicals (Larson 16). Typically, the E-waste contains complex combinations of components and materials down to microscopic levels. Because of the significant concentration of substances in mercury that are hazardous to the environment and human health, the even small quantity of e-waste that enters the body will introduce a high quantity of halogenated substances and heavy metals (Wannag 289). Unless suitable measures of safety are taken, such toxic substances can critically affect the employees as well as other people’ health within the vicinity (Landau 11). Mercury (Hg) causes damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous systems. Besides, it can be passed on to infants through the milk of breast.
Figure 1: Electronic Appliances Recycling and Disposal Process (Source: Wannag 290)
Some of the factors/ conditions that contribute to the increased productions and consumptions of electronic and electrical devices are the rapid growth of the economy, coupled with the industrialization and urbanization. In particular, one of the major contributors to the worldwide economy is the IT (information technology) sector (Larson 19). Also, it is responsible for the bulk generation of E-waste at the same time. Even though the problem of global waste has been attracting the attention across the world, there has not been much emphasis given to the E-waste engendered in various countries, especially the developing ones (Wannag 291). Today, the enormous problem of E-waste which is either internationally imported or locally generated burdens in the developing countries. In practice, they cause a menace to both environment and human health. In electrical and electronic equipment, the hazardous components are a significant concern during the phase of waste management (Landau 13). Various developing countries fail to undertake the recycling of E-waste to an adequate degree. Specifically, the mercury used in the devices of lighting for flat-screen displays can result in the brain and central nervous system’s damage, especially during the early development.
Understanding the Topic
Mercury is used in a device of lighting that illuminates flat screen displays. Additionally, it has been used in relays and switches of some of the older computer such as a mainframe. Also, there are some of the batteries that contain the element (Larson 28). Normally, the occurrence of mercury takes place during the equipment dismantling such as the screen displays. Moreover, the landfill, as well as the incineration, can also lead to the production of mercury to the atmosphere. After being released in the environment, especially from the incineration, the element of mercury travels worldwide, and in the process, it impacts far from its release source (Wannag 292). After being released to the environment, mercury can enter the bodies of water (either following deposition or directly). Afterward, it is transformed into a highly toxic form known as methylmercury (Landau 17). Such toxic form can bio-magnify and bio-accumulate (increasing concentration) to high levels in the chains of food, specifically in fish. For the general public, such process is the primary route of exposure. Also, inhalation of mercury dust or vapor can expose workers to such toxins.
Besides being highly toxic, mercury has no nutritional or biochemical value. For this reason, its inhalation may cause several effects that include the impact on the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Such effect has also been reported in the study of animals. The primary route of exposure for the general population to the methyl-mercury is through diet (Larson 31). Methyl-mercury usually accumulates in the body which in turn damages the nervous system. It mainly passes through the blood-brain and placental barrier and can cause severe effects to the children as well as the developing brain at all levels. It has been suggested by the recent study that exposure to the methyl-mercury can also result in the heart disease or cardiovascular (Landau 19).
There are some of the regional controls on the use of products of mercury. For example, European Union legislation restricts the use of certain substances (ROHS) in electrical and electronic equipment which are hazardous. As from July 2006, the use of mercury has been prohibited in new equipment with a maximum concentration of about 0.1% by weight in particular components and materials (Wannag 297). Moreover, there are certain exceptions for the mercury used in fluorescent lamps. Addressing WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) under legislation requires that components such as backlight lamps and mercury that contain mercury had to be removed from these products. Furthermore, the EU legislation addresses the use of mercury other products that include accumulators and batteries containing more than 0.0005% of the chemical element (Landau 21).
Chemical Formulas and Equations
The extraction of mercury (Hg) involves heating cinnabar in an air current and condensing the vapor.
An econometric method can be used to estimate the e-waste.
Where S is the malls and shops in the region, T denotes the threats, H and P are the healthcare institutions and population respectively. Also, C is the capacity of the generated waste, and ew is the e-waste. Finally, I
stand for the industrial units' number in the region.
Conclusion
Even though the quantity of E-waste continues to rise rapidly, with the increase in the dependence on the electrical and electronic equipment, there must be ways of proper disposal and management. However, various developing countries still face such challenge; they are yet to realize the relationships between the cause of E-waste generation and its effects that include the detrimental environmental and health impacts. There should be an alternative replacement for the use of mercury in from phone displays. As already observed, mercury contributes to several health complications as it affects the brain and the central nervous system.
Works Cited
Landau, Elaine. Mercury. Children's Press, 2007.
Larson, Hope. Mercury. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010.
Wannag, Axel. "The Importance of Organ Blood Mercury When Comparing Foetal and Maternal Rat Organ Distribution of Mercury after Methyl Mercury Exposure." Acta Pharmacologica et Toxicologica, vol. 38, no. 4, 2009, pp. 289-298. Wiley-Blackwell, doi:10.1111/j.1600-0773.1976.tb03123.x.
