harmful parts of a computer

[chipy]

i've heard that certain parts of a computer can contain harmful materials, such that although individuals don't have to recycle computers, companies much take care to dispose of them correctly.

does anyone know what parts of the computer contain these harmful materials?
and what are they harmful materials (e.g. lead?)?

thanx
chipy

 

[ta8689]

Correct me if im wrong, but maybe like thermal paste, and possibly the laquer laminated on the mobo. Not completly sure. Ive taken like EVERYTHING on a computer apart to play with the parts and see how it works (broken parts of course) and ive never come across anything the semed harmful.

 

[chipy]

i will let you know if i find out more. i may have misheard though.

thanx
chipy

 

[Shmalls]

I see a lot of consumer products these days that say "this product contains compounds known to the state of California to cause ...." its probably somthing like that. plus, all those little silver specks everywhere are soilder, which DOES contain lead, a heavey metal, and a dangerous materials

 

[Mrvile]

CRT monitors of course...can't really think of any others.

 

[vegetation]

The most toxic stuff is in the IC chips. Inside contains a lot of nasties like arsenic and other things not good for your health. Huge amounts in the dump can lead to leakage and thus ground contamination. Otherwise, it's okay to handle -- we're talking long term skin exposure for individual pieces. But you most definitely do NOT want to do something like take an old cpu, drilling holes, and make it a piece of jewelry -- those idiots you see doing it are asking for future health problems.

 

[earthman]

I hear if you put your tongue on the end of the power cord with it plugged in it could be harmful.

 

[phisrow]

There is generally some lead in the solder and in chip leads(except in really new stuff). A fair bit of lead in CRTs. Cold cathode lights, whether caselights or LCD backlights contain a bit of mercury. Plastics and circuit boards also commonly contain Brominated or Halogenated fire retardants, which are not widely believed to be salubrious(except for the not burning you to death part).

None of this is a huge risk, on the level that most individuals will encounter it; but I wouldn't set up a home incinerator in my vegetable garden, or anything.

 

[OSX]

My Saitek joystick has lead in the USB cable.

 

[earthman]

On a more serious note, all computers, and especially CRTs, contain heavy metals like lead, tin, silver, copper, zinc, etc., which are unhealthy in the environment. The danger is that alot of electronics in the past tended to be dumped in the open or worse, burned, which vaporized alot of the metal into the air and ground, which, needless to say, is unhealthy. This is why it's a good ideal to recycle items like computers, TV's etc.

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, The most harmful part of a computer is the NUT holding the MOUSE!