E-waste Composition and Hazards
Question
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?
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- 1.
Beryllium is found in computer components
- 2.
Cadmium is found in circuit boards and batteries
- 3.
Chromium is found in stainless steel components
- 4.
Heptachlor is not typically found in e-waste
- 5.
Mercury is found in switches and fluorescent lamps
- 6.
Lead is found in solder and glass
- 7.
Plutonium is not found in e-waste
Options
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
E-waste from computers contains toxic heavy metals and elements including beryllium (1), cadmium (2), chromium (3), mercury (5), and lead (6). However, heptachlor (4) is a pesticide and not typically present in electronic waste, and plutonium (7) is not found in computer equipment. Option (b) correctly identifies beryllium, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead as e-waste contaminants. Options (a), (c), and (d) incorrectly include heptachlor and plutonium or exclude legitimate e-waste components.
Question details
Year
2013
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q29
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Electronic Waste and Pollution
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Environmental Science - E-waste Management
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