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List of toxic materials in electronic equipment

Lead - The cathod ray tubes (CRT) in televisions and monitors contain 5 - 10 pounds of lead.  Lead is toxic to the kidneys, nervous & reproductive systems & inhibits mental development of young children and fetuses.

Mercury - Light bulbs in flat panel screens, switches & printed wiring boards all contain mercury.  High levels of exposure contribute to brain & kidney damage, harm the developing fetus & can be passed down through breast milk.

Barium - The front panel of the CRT containes barium to protect users from radiation.  Short-term exposure to barium can cause brain swelling, muscle weakness, and damage to the heart, liver and spleen.

Cadmium - Surface Mount Device (SMD) chip resistors, infrared detectors, semiconductors and older CRTs contain cadmium.  It concentrates in the body & can cause kidney damage & harm to fragile bones.

Other toxic materials in electronic equipment include: brominated flame retardants, PVC plastics, beryllium, phosphor and hexavalent chromium.