Article: Toxic waste in TV transition; Analog sets sent to developing countries for hazardous, low-paid dismantling.(PAGE ONE)

Byline: Kara Rowland, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Millions of analog TV sets could be discarded before the digital TV transition next year as Americans upgrade to high-definition flat panels. Chances are most of them will end up in ditches in the developing world.

As new TVs and other gadgets hit the market, electronic debris has become one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world.

The problem: Electronic waste is toxic, containing heavy metals such as mercury and lead, as well as flame retardants that give off harmful fumes when burned.

These ingredients accumulate in living human tissue over time, so exposure to even small amounts can be dangerous. ...

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