Title: Electronic waste in the United States - Wikipedia
Headings: Electronic waste in the United States
Electronic waste in the United States
Contents
History of regulation
Environmental and health effects
Hazardous materials in electronic devices
Domestic effects
Global effects
United States legislation
Federal
State
United States' export of e-waste
Export results
TVs:
Mobile Phones:
Computers:
Monitors:
Re-export destination flows: Transport Sites
International unregulated e-waste junkyards
Improper dismantling and processing
Open burning
Waste storage for processing
Export responsibility
Regulation of e-waste
International regulation
Domestic regulation
Lobbying
Consumer recycling
Donation
Takeback
Reuse
See also
References
Further reading
External links
Organizations

Content: Due to the unregulated nature of the informal recycling sector in developing countries, US e-waste handlers could be exporting threats to human and environmental health. Hazardous materials in electronic devices
Electronic devices are combinations of hundreds of different types of materials; many of them are considered to be toxic when exposed to humans. Although present within the device, these toxic heavy metals have only been documented to become a health hazard once the device is broken down. The process of electrical device breakdown occurs in a variety of locations and settings (recycling sites, storage locations), yet becomes a prominent health hazard when broken down in domestic or international sites that do not have the correct equipment or recycling methods. When taken apart without proper recycling methods, tools, or protective wear, workers and residents become exposed to the toxic chemicals in the devices. E-waste negatively impacts health primarily through the exposure of heavy metal dioxins. Incinerating e-waste without proper workplace and environmental regulations poses a risk because it generates dioxins, which can cause cancer and plague the human body and environment for long periods of time. Moreover, open burning, a common practice in developing countries receiving e-waste, releases toxic fumes and dust that can be easily inhaled and effect nearby food sources and water bodies. In addition to direct exposure through open burning and dismantling, e-waste storages and landfills can result in leakage of dioxins into the natural surroundings area.