Your Cell Phone And The Environment

Your Cell Phone And The Environment

An astonishing number of people own and use a cell phone (celular), with current
figures totaling over 800 million worldwide. It has has become an important part
of daily life, and improves business and travel opportunities, whilst providing
the best possible level of communication across the globe.

However, the high numbers of users are also subject to changing trends for a
number of reasons including improved features, fashion and accessories. This
means that upgrades are a regular occurrence, with each device being used for an
estimated 12 to 18 months. This means that there is a lot of cell phone waste.

Many users are not aware of the potential damage to the environment that
incorrect disposal of cell phones (celular) can cause. Incorrect disposal means
throwing any cell phone away, which is the typical fate assigned to an unwanted
device. However, components within it can have a terrible impact on the
environment and so need special disposal. All cell phones (celular) contain
persistent metals which do not degrade in the environment. They also contain
bioaccumulative metals which become toxic over period of time.

For instance, cadmium which is present in a cell phone (celular) is significant
enough to cause damage in small doses. It is the seventh most harmful known
chemical, and is capable of causing cancer. Cell phones also contain lead which
causes liver damage in adults and neurological development problems in children
when entered into the bloodstream. Other hazardous substances such as nickel and
mercury provide further cause for concern.

If not disposed of properly, the metals from the cell phone (celular) can leak
into the environment through corrosion and cause a series of problems in the
environment. If thrown away, it will go to a landfill where it will remain. As
many elements do not decompose, the level of harmful toxins increases and so
does the potential damage. Lithium can burn with water exposure, and so can
potentially begin underground fires when present in large quantities. Any of the
hazardous or poisonous substances could contaminate local water supplies or the
nearby soil. If either of these is affected than the toxins enter the food chain
with terrible results.

In effect, incorrect disposal of the cell phone (celular) can create a form of
poisoning. The immediate effects include health problems such as genetic or
reproductive defects and detrimental effects upon the nervous system and delayed
general development. The long term effect is global pollution. When waste that
can not be broken down properly such as that in a cell phone (celular) is
decomposing it creates methane gas. Methane gas is more damaging than CO2 and so
has major impact on global warming. Not many people realize that all this can be
caused by disposing it in an incorrect manner.

The best way to combat cell phone (celular) damage to the environment is to
recycle it by returning it to a shop. This includes the accessories also. Some
shops will ensure the product is sent to developing countries for reuse. Others
will reclaim the metal parts to prevent them going into a landfill. Some cell
phone companies even make a charity donation for every recycled device to
encourage the practice. The other possibility is that they will ensure the
product is sent for proper disposal. This includes disposal of hazardous
materials.

Whichever option is used, the positive side effect is that less hazardous waste
goes into the environment. Now that you know the facts, make sure that you
dispose of your cell phone (celular) properly and remain environmentally sound
with this one simple gesture.

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1. How Recycling Has a Positive Impact on the Environment