Introduction
The utilization of resources, while considering environmental preservation, to meet the needs of the present and future generation refers to sustainable development. The rise of industrialization and adoption of new technology has explained the growth of mobile phone communication across the world. Owning a mobile phone is a necessity more than a luxury, as many perceived some time back. However, the production process, the materials used, and the effects the gadget has on the environment after disposal has harmful effects to human development both current and future generation. This leads to the question, can the use of mobile phones sustain the development of the human race?
The production of mobile phones
A mobile is made up of several materials: 40% plastic, 40% metal, and 20% ceramic materials. The printed circuit or wiring board is the center, where all gadget function takes place. The structure of the board is made from a number of minerals: tantalum, nickel, coltan, gold, zinc, lead, beryllium among others. Crude oil plastic, limestone for fiberglass and sand are also used in the manufacture of the circuit board. According to US Environmental Protection Agency, these materials are considered “persistent toxins,” biodegradable and can harm the current and future generation because of the effects they have on the environment (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2005 p. 1-2).
The liquid crystal display is low powered, with a flat-panel display, showing images and information. It uses the principle of transfer of light to display images. Mercury is used to make the LCD in order to aid the principle used in displaying images and information. Admittedly, mercury is known to be a dangerous mineral, which can interfere with the nervous system and the brain.
During the extraction of some of the mineral mentioned, used to make a cell phone, the miners and those working at the extraction plant suffer many health complications. Some plastics used in making cell phone contain brominates to prevent fire; they are not easily recyclable and have effects on human health (Fishbein, 2007 p. 1). Most of these dangerous substances are ingested during the process of extraction, purification, or cooling.
The manufacturing process takes place in an environment “fumed” with some toxic gases emitted from the manufacture of the components that make up the circuit board and the liquid crystal display. In one firm, in Shenzen, some workers did not take precautionary measures of wearing safety masks and other kits, most of them succumb to the effects of these toxic substances. In addition, the production of cell phone is not done on “one table”; it involves a series of processes performed by various groups hence the transfer of health effects. The management of firm producing mobile phone components claimed that they had offered protective devices to their workers, and apportions the blame to their workers for not adhering to the stipulated rules and regulations (Chan, et al. 2008 p. 10).
Apart from that, mobile phones work on the principle of transfer of produced electromagnetic radiations through radio waves. Health practitioners states that these radiations may alter or mutate the DNA of someone because they damage the tissue of body cells. In addition, the nervous, and the digestive system is also affected by a continuous use of cell phones.
Environmental challenges and problems society faces when disposing mobile phones.
A survey conducted by the ministry of environment in New Zealand revealed that, on average, cell phones are being replaced after 18months. Since the use of mobile phones is growing worldwide, with developing countries leading the league, environmental challenges and problem are higher in the latter than in developed nations. Reports from the same survey show that 25% of mobile phone, owned by many individuals is not in use. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the rate of disposal is high (Ministry of Environment, 2006 p. 10-12)
Mobile phones are usually disposed into the domestic waste channels because of their small sizes. As they enter the channel, they are linked to water bodies, where they contaminate the water with heavy, toxic metals like mercury and lead solder. Brominates, flame retardants can be harmful when mixed with underground water because they emit gasses, which damage the ozone leading to increased effects of global warming. In addition, the contaminated water may be consumed by man leading to health complications including digestive systems problems. Cell phone batteries leach hazardous materials in the soil after disposal hence affecting microorganisms in the soil (Jones, 2012 p. 1). This leaves the soil eroded in terms of nutrients making it hard for man to carry out economic activities like farming. With time, the process of desertification may commence because the soil can no longer support plant life.
The presence of mercury in the environment can have devastative effects when they get into the food web. Once mercury, used in making LCD’s for mobile phone screen display, is released in the air, it can mix with air vapor. While in water bodies, planktons may convert it to methyl mercury, which is consumed by fish (EarthShare, 2012 p. 1). Human being can eat such fish and numerous health effects. Medical practitioners have been advising expectant mothers to avoid eating fish because of Methyl mercury, which affects approximately 630, 000 infants annually.
Like any other debris, mobile phone and their covers disposed may block water or sewerage channels because they are not biodegradable. The blocked water channel is then contaminated with heavy metals, toxic substances, whose fumes damage the respiratory systems of animals and human beings around. This process does not take place immediately, but as time goes organism may suffer its effects.
Conclusion
Bibliography
Ministry of Environment, 2006, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Survey; A Quantitative Report pp 12-13. Retrieved on 9th November from: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/waste/eee-survey-report-jan06/index.html
EarthShare, 2012, Mercury & Human Health. EarthShare: One Environment. One Simple Way to Care for It.. Retrieved November 9, 2012, from http://www.earthshare.org/mercury-human-health.html
Jones, E. 2012, February 1, Cell Phones and the Environment | Consumer Products | GreeniacsArticles. Greeniacs.com - Think Green with Eco Friendly News and Tips - Earth, Water, Air, Life. | Home. Retrieved November 9, 2012, from http://www.greeniacs.com/GreeniacsArticles/Consumer-Products/Cell-Phones-and-the-Environment.html
US Environmental Protection Agency, 2005. Lifecycle of a cell phone. Retrieved on 9th November from: www.epa.gov/osw/education/pdfs/life-cell.pdf
Chan, J., et al. 2008, September. Silenced to deliver; mobile phone manufacturing in china and Philippines. SOMO and SwedWatch. Retrieved on 9th November from: germanwatch.org/corp/it-chph08.pdf
Fishbein, B., 2007, Clean up Mobile phones; Mobile phones and the environment. Aussie Recycling Program. Retrieved on 9th November from: http://www.cleanup.org.au/PDF/au/additional-info-sheet_mobilephones-the-environment.pdf
