Toxics released from improper disposal of computers (e‑waste) — UPSC Prelims PYQ...
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?
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Heptachlor
- Mercury
- Lead
- 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
Explanation
Option (b) is correct
- Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, and Lead are heavy metals widely used in electronic components such as circuit boards, batteries, and monitors. When e-waste is improperly disposed of, these toxic substances can leach into soil and water, posing serious environmental and health hazards. Heptachlor is an organic compound that was historically used as an insecticide. Although it may have been present in some older equipment, it is not a typical component of modern electronics and is not a major concern in e-waste. Plutonium is a radioactive element mainly used in nuclear weapons and reactors. It is not used in electronic devices and, therefore, is not found in e-waste
Answer: (b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 only; Difficulty Level: Easy
