Burning E-waste

Workers pour acid into containers used to remove silver through boiling causing orange and red smoke to pour out.

Containers

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Toxics Documentation on E-Waste in China

Electronic waste (E-waste) is the most rapidly growing waste problem in the world, with toxic ingredients such as the lead, mercury or cadmium being released into the environment. The growing amount of computer waste is becoming an increasing problem with millions of devices becoming obsolete each year as the technology industry produces faster, better and less expensive equipment. Workers in China, pick apart computers from America to scavenge for the precious metals inside. People (including children), with little or no protection against hazardous materials, burn plastics and circuit boards or pour acid onto electronic parts to extract silver and gold filling the air with carcinogenic smoke and polluting the water.

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Toxics Documentation on E-Waste in China (Photos & Videos)

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Unique identifier: GP03QZT

Type: Video

Shoot date: 01/01/2005

Locations: China, East Asia

Duration: 42s

Audio format: Natural

File size 65.51 MB

Ranking: ★★★★ (E)