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Barium – Used in the front panel of the CRT to protect users from radiation. Short-term exposure to barium can cause brain swelling, muscle weakness, and damage to the heart, liver and spleen.
Beryllium – Found on motherboards and connectors and is a human carcinogen.
Brominated Flame Retardants – Likely endocrine disrupters, reduce levels of the hormone thyroxin in exposed animals and can potentially harm the developing fetus.
Cadmium – Found in SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors, semiconductors, older types of cathode ray tubes, and some plastics. Linked to kidney damage and harm to fragile bones.
Hexavalent Chromium – Used for corrosion protection of untreated and galvanized steel plates and hardener for steel housing. Can cause DNA damage and asthmatic bronchitis.
Lead – CRT displays contain 4-8 pounds of led. Toxic to the kidneys, nervous and reproductive systems and inhibits mental development of young children and fetuses. Lead is also found in solder.
Mercury – Found in light bulbs in flat panel displays, switches, and printed wiring boards. Linked to brain & kidney damage, harm to the developing fetus and can be passed through breast milk and fish consumption.
Plastics – Up to 13.8 pounds in an average computer. Dioxin can be formed when PVC is burned. Combinations of plastics are hard to separate and recycle. Found in printed circuit boards, and components such as connectors, plastic covers and cables.
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