Free Geeks @ CSCC - Connecting People and Computers

Reusing computers reduces the occurrence of their appearance in landfills. Computers contain many toxic substances and these chemicals become a source of pollution of our land and water, if not properly disposed of. Below is a short list of toxins found in computers and their components. Keep in mind that by recycling you are preventing these chemicals from being spread out into the environment.

Barium - In small amounts, barium acts as a muscle stimulant and will cause intestinal duress. In larger doses it can affect the nervous systems and cause heart problems, tremors, mussel weakness, anxiety, and paralysis. In very large amounts it can cause death.

Beryllium - Frequent exposure can cause chemical pneumonia or berylliosis (a chronic lung decease), which can result in lungs becoming blocked and cause paralysis or death. Beryllium can also cause cancer in both humans and animals.

Cadmium – Exposure can cause lung inflammation, fluid in the lungs, renal abnormalities, cancer, and death.

Hexavalent Chromium – Exposure can cause contact dermatitis, lung cancer, and kidney failure and eventually death.

Lead – Exposure can cause blood disorders, brain disorders, abdominal pain, joint weakness, high blood pressure, anemia, kidney damage, miscarriage, damage of the reproductive organs, reduced cognitive capabilities, delayed puberty in females, dementia, and death.

Mercury – Exposure can cause debilitating shortness of breath, coughing with blood, irritability, excitability, social phobia, insomnia, memory loss, and violent tremors.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls – Exposure can cause rashes, lesions on the skin and eyes, ulcers, weakened immune system, irregular menstrual cycles, headache, fatigue, cough, and liver decease. Additionally, this toxin can cause animals to lose their reproductive ability.

Fortunately, almost every part in a computer can be recycled or reused! Through our course we combine A+ certification with community service. We take unwanted computers from businesses and individuals and ensure that the good parts are reused. Any obsolete equipment is kept out of the landfill. Computers that can't be refurbished are broken down by material type and recycled.