E-waste

Selenium has been identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as one of the several hazardous materials released from electronic waste (E-Waste) when computers, television sets, cell phones and other electronic technology is discarded.

The growing volume and health threats posed by e-waste has become a major concern of health and environmental NGOs as well as state and local authorities. NGOs are reported to be planning a major campaign to draw attention to the issue, focusing on the major manufacturers and their actions or inaction to prevent public exposure.

Government sources indicate that approximately 220 million tons of e-waste is generated annually in the United States, and it is increasing at a rate of three to five percent a year - three times faster than municipal waste.

In addition to selenium, lead, mercury, cadmium, silver and chromium are typically found in electronic waste, substances known to contaminate groundwater and pose numerous risks to public health.