Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
2, 4, 5 and 7 only
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
Electronic waste (e-waste), such as old computers and their parts, contains various hazardous substances. The list provided includes several heavy metals commonly found in electronic components: Beryllium (1), Cadmium (2), Chromium (3, often hexavalent chromium), Mercury (5), and Lead (6). These substances pose significant environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly. Heptachlor (4) is an organochlorine pesticide, not a standard component of electronics. Plutonium (7) is a radioactive element associated with nuclear materials, not found in typical consumer electronics. Therefore, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 are commonly released into the environment from improper e-waste handling.