Not wanting to throw this valuable piece of junk into the trash, I researched the options. I found that my computer, monitor and peripherals contain toxins and heavy metals that are a serious concern. Computer monitors contain cathode ray tubes, that contain over five pounds of lead, along with other toxic materials. TVs contain the same type of tube. Circuit boards contain lead, chromium and other hazardous materials.
Plastic casings can also contain toxins in the form of fire retardant chemicals.
What s worse, there is an onslaught of this used equipment headed toward disposal. With technology and software developing rapidly, the useful life of a computer continues to shrink. Many retailers suggest planning on replacement every two years. Projections are that nationwide, at least 315 million personal computers will become obsolete by 2004. And the switch over to digital television broadcasting is scheduled for 2006.