Electrical and electronic equipment contain various hazardous materials that can harm human health and the environment if not disposed of responsibly. While some naturally occurring substances may be harmless, their use in electronics often transforms them into harmful compounds for example, chromium becoming the toxic Chromium VI.
As part of responsible E Waste Management Services, leading organizations such as ECS Environment, a trusted e-Waste Management Company in India, emphasize safe handling and treatment of these substances.
Below is an overview of the most common toxic materials found in e-waste and their associated risks.
Common Hazardous Substances in e-Waste
| Substance | Occurrence in e-waste |
| Halogenated compounds: | |
| PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) | Condensers, Transformers |
| -TBBA (tetrabromo-bisphenol-A)
– PBB (polybrominated biphenyls) – PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) |
Fire retardants for plastics (thermoplastic components, cable insulation) TBBA is presently the most widely used flame retardant in printed wiring boards and casings. |
| Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) | Cooling unit, Insulation foam |
| PVC (polyvinyl chloride) | Cable insulation |
| Heavy metals and other metals: | |
| Arsenic | Small quantities in the form of gallium arsenide within light emitting diodes |
| Barium | Getters in CRT |
| Beryllium | Power supply boxes which contain silicon controlled rectifiers and x-ray lenses |
| Cadmium | Rechargeable NiCd-batteries, fluorescent layer (CRT screens), printer inks and toners, photocopying-machines (printer drums) |
| Chromium VI | Data tapes, floppy-disks |
| Lead | CRT screens, batteries, printed wiring boards |
| Lithium | Li-batteries |
| Mercury | Fluorescent lamps that provide backlighting in LCDs, in some alkaline batteries and mercury wetted switches |
| Nickel | Rechargeable NiCd-batteries or NiMH-batteries, electron gun in CRT |
| Rare Earth elements (Yttrium, Europium) | Fluorescent layer (CRT-screen) |
| Selenium | Older photocopying-machines (photo drums) |
| Zinc sulphide | OInterior of CRT screens, mixed with rare earth metals |
| Others: | |
| Toner Dust | Toner cartridges for laser printers / copiers |
| Radio-active substances: | |
| Americium | Medical equipment, fire detectors, active sensing element in smoke detectors |
Hazardous Substances and Their Health Impacts
Arsenic
Arsenic is a poisonous metallic element found in dust and soluble compounds. Chronic exposure can cause skin disorders, decreased nerve conduction, lung cancer, and may be fatal.
Barium
Barium, used in spark plugs, lamps, and CRT “getters,” forms toxic oxides when exposed to air. Short-term exposure may cause brain swelling, muscle weakness, and organ damage. Long-term effects remain unclear due to limited data.
Beryllium
A known human carcinogen, beryllium exposure—especially through inhalation—can cause lung cancer or Chronic Beryllium Disease (berylliosis). It also affects skin healing and may cause warty lesions.
Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs)
These include PBB, PBDE, and TBBPA. Used widely in plastic components, BFRs release toxic dioxins during low-temperature combustion. These can cause hormonal disorders. Many manufacturers are phasing them out due to toxicity.
Cadmium
Cadmium exposure primarily affects the kidneys and respiratory system. Acute exposure causes flu-like symptoms, while long-term exposure increases risks of lung cancer, osteoporosis, and kidney damage.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Used in cooling systems and insulation, CFCs damage the ozone layer, increasing harmful UV exposure and the risk of skin cancer and genetic disorders.
Chromium VI
While some forms of chromium are safe, Chromium VI is highly toxic and easily absorbed by the body. It can cause DNA damage, eye injuries, and long-term health complications.
Dioxins
Dioxins and furans are toxic by-products of combustion and chemical manufacturing. They bioaccumulate and cause fetal malformations, immune system impairment, and reduced growth and reproduction rates.
Lead
Used in solder, CRTs, batteries, and wiring boards, lead is highly dangerous—especially for children. Exposure can cause neurological disorders, kidney damage, fatigue, headaches, and in severe cases, death.
Mercury
A toxic heavy metal that accumulates in the body, mercury can damage the brain, liver, and nervous system. It is found in switches, fluorescent lamps, and some batteries.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs, once used in transformers, capacitors, and plastic additives, cause cancer and damage the immune, reproductive, and endocrine systems. Though banned in many countries, they still appear in older electronic waste.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Widely used in cables and electronics, PVC contains high chlorine content. When burned, it releases hydrogen chloride gas, causing respiratory irritation and forming corrosive hydrochloric acid.
Selenium
High exposure causes selenosis, resulting in hair loss, nail brittleness, and neurological abnormalities.
Improper handling of e-waste exposes humans and the environment to highly toxic substances. Safe recycling practices, responsible disposal, and partnering with a certified e-Waste Management Company in India, such as ECS Environment, are essential for reducing these risks. Professional E Waste Management Services ensure that hazardous materials are processed safely and sustainably, preventing long-term health and ecological damage.