Old TV sets can harm the environment

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has launched a video on its website (www.dtsc.ca.gov) to remind residents who recently purchased new digital televisions that their old analog sets have to be disposed of properly.Analog television screens are made of cathode ray tubes or CRTs. CRTs are also used as computer monitors, automated teller machines and arcades. Depending on the size, the glass screens can contain several pounds of lead. When CRTs are disposed of in a regular landfill, the screens are broken, the glass pulverized, and the lead escapes the glass, potentially threatening drinking water sources. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause harm to adults and children. It can affect almost every organ in the body but is bets known for damaging the nervous system. The DTSC urged residents to locate collectors and recyclers authorized to take unwanted televisions and other electronic waste. A fee charged on the purchase of new televisions helps fund collection and recycling of old CRTs, so many recyclers will accept old televisions for free or charge only a nominal fee. To find a local collector, visit www.erecycle.org.

********** Published: August 7, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 16