Electronic Waste Environmental Effects

Element	Use in Wireless Technology	Harmful Effects
Lead	Used primarily in soldering of circuit boards and other device components	Extremely harmful to the human body; damages both the central and peripheral nervous systems; can cause seizures, retardation, high blood pressure, damage to the kidneys and liver; adversely affects child development
Beryllium	Forms significant portions of electrical connectors and battery contacts	Long term exposure can be carcinogenic, especially for the lungs. Extreme exposure can lead to a potentially fatal condition known as Acute Beryllium Disease
Arsenic	Used in some integrated circuits and semiconductors	Arsenic is a notoriously potent poison; causes severe damage to the digestive tract
Mercury	Can be found to a degree in batteries and circuit boards	Attacks the central nervous and endocrine systems; harmful to mouth, teeth and gums; poses risk in the neurological development of unborn fetuses
Antimony	Used in production of diodes and batteries. Pure form used in semiconductor production	Toxic to humans in ways similar to arsenic; fatal in large doses
Cadmium	Used in soldering, semiconductors and chip resistors	Potentially carcinogenic; Repeated exposure can damage the lungs, kidneys and liver