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Users have a fundamental role in contributing to reuse, recycling, and recovery of WEEE. The potentially
dangerous substances contained in the WEEE can pollute the environment and produce harmful effects to
the human health. Below are a few indications of specific dangers of some substances, which may leach in
the environment and in the water system.
•
Lead: in humans damages the nervous system, the endocrine system, the cardiovascular system, and
kidneys. It accumulates and is very toxic for animals, plants, and micro-organisms.
•
Cadmium: accumulates with a half-life of 30 years and can damage the kidneys and cause cancer.
•
Mercury: it is easily accumulated in organisms and concentrates through the food chain. It has chronic
effects and can cause brain damage.
•
Chromium (Hexavalent): easily absorbed into cells with toxic effects. Can cause allergic reactions, asthma
and it
’
s considered genotoxic (damages the DNA). Highly dangerous when incinerated.
•
Brominated flame retardants: widely used to reduce flammability (e.g., cables, connectors, plastic cases).
