More random 'DUde, I so didn't know that;

[frannyan]

"Chemicals in computers may also affect people who use computers extensively. Brominated flame retardants also turned up at higher-than-normal levels in clerks working full-time at computer screens, a 1999 study in Environmental Health Perspectives found. And some computer users suffer from headaches, itching and nasal congestion when computer monitors release another flame retardant, triphenyl phosphate, into the air as they heat up during normal use, a September 15, 2000 study in Environmental Science & Technology reported.

But it's where computers end up that could eventually create the most widespread health threats. Since manufacturers don't accept most computers for recycling, only 14% of the over 24 million computers that were thrown away in the U.S. in 1999 were properly disposed of or recycled. The rest are releasing toxins as they decay in landfills or are burned in incinerators. By the year 2004, the National Safety Council estimates, the U.S. could house around 315 million old computers. If discarded, they would contribute a total of roughly 1 billion pounds of lead, 4 billion pounds of plastics, 1.9 million pounds of cadmium and 400,000 pounds of mercury to the environment."


*looks in direction of old half-dead comp monitor.* Putting a 'free if you pick it up!; ad in the paper sounds better and better. :D Wonder if I could FIND a place to recycle a monitor around here... *muses*


Edit:

"The following computer manufacturers and sellers have take back programs, some of which can even save you money on new PC's:

* Copmpaq: In seven Midwest states, residents and small business that buy new Compaq products can get a 6 - 9% discount for recycling old technology through the United Recycling Industries' (URI's) Electronics Take-Back Program. URI provides shipping boxes and labels, while customers pay URI $27.99 to process up to 70 pounds of returned computers, monitors, and peripherals.
* Dell:Dell has launched DellExchange, an online website with three options for dealing with end-of-life computers: 1) trade in to receive a discount on a new computer based on fair market value, 2) donation through the National Cristina Foundation (see below), or 3) auction through www.dellauction.com. DellExchange accepts non-Dell computers.
* Gateway:Gateway offers customers a rebate of up to $50 on a new Gateway PC if they donate or recycle their old system. Customers are responsible for finding a recycler or receiving organization for their computer, after which they submit confirmation forms to Gateway to receive the rebate.
* IBM: IBM's PC Recycling Service allows consumers and small businesses to recycle any PC and peripherals. For $29.99, the customer receives a pre-paid mailing label and ships the computer equipment via UPS to Envirocycle, an electronics recycler in Pennsylvania. If the computer can be donated, the donor receives a receipt which can be used for tax deduction purposes. Customers can purchase the recycling service when they buy a new IBM computer or purchase the service separately by calling 1-888-SHOP-IBM or shopping online.
* Also look for take-back days at Best Buy and
Staples, which have offered them in the past (you can bring your old computers to the stores during take-back days and recycle them for a small fee).
"

Comments

[swirling-chaos.livejournal.com]

You know, I think a lot of people would be surprised that when the time comes for them to get a new computer, building is a much more cost-effective and efficient solution. For one, you can pick out every last little thing that goes into the machine - this makes sure you don't get shortchanged and get exactly what you want. You can also recycle parts from your old, dead computer into the new one - sound cards, coolant fans, LEDs and the like.

If more people were nerds, the world would indeed be a better place. *nods*