Older types of cathode ray tubes contain cadmium. Furthermore, cadmium is used as a plastic stabilizer. Between 1997 to 2004 over 315 million computers will become obsolete and this represents almost 2 million pounds of cadmium content. When inorganic mercury spreads out in the water, it is transformed to methylated mercury in the bottom sediments. Methylated mercury easily accumulates in living organisms and concentrates through the food chain particularly via fish.
Methylated mercury causes chronic damage to the brain.
Furthermore, it is used in medical equipment, data transmission, telecommunications, and mobile phones. Some manufacturers still apply this substance as corrosion protection of untreated and galvanized steel plates and as a decorative and hardener for steel housing. Chromium VI can easily pass through membranes of cells and is easily absorbed producing various toxic effects within the cells. It causes strong allergic reactions even in small concentrations. Chromium VI may also cause DNA damage.