Carbon dioxide emissions and pollution from cell phones

According to new studies, smartphone charging could soon be a massive generator of carbon dioxide emissions. As you may already be aware that carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases that causes global warming. The findings reveal that greenhouse gas emissions from cellular phones will most like double in the near future. With close to a billion people using cellular phones it has become a part of our daily lives and has increased significantly the many ways to harm the environment.

The current cellular phone charging is generating about 6.4 megatons of greenhouse gases. By 2019, greenhouse emissions will increase to more than 13 megatons. This is scary as this amount of greenhouse emissions is equivalent to the current annual emissions of about 1.1 million automobiles. Cell phone usage is increasing worldwide and cell phone companies are manufacturing cellular devices to meet this demand and at times disregarding how some of the material used are hurting the environment. The laws of economics at work with consumers demand a product and suppliers fulfilling that need.

Most cellular phone users are not aware of the potential damage to the environment by incorrectly disposing of cell phones. Incorrect disposal means throwing away phones in thrash cans. Components within these devices can have a terrible impact on the environment. All cell phones contain metals that do not degrade in the environment. Also, they contain bioaccumulative metals which become toxic over periods of time.  Improperly disposing of cellular phones is harming the environment and hazardous chemicals putting the lives of people in danger. In many parts of the world mobile phones, computer terminals, monitors, and other electronic devices end up in dumps near residential areas.

In addition to all the environmental damages that are caused by cell phones, we have to consider the harm it causes the human body. All cell phones have cadmium which is a chemical that can cause damage in small doses. It is the seventh most harmful chemical and it is known to cause cancer. Also, Cell phones contain lead which is know for causing liver damage in adults and neurological development problems in children when entered  into the bloodstream. Beyond this, we have to consider other harmful substances such as nickel and mercury and their effects on humans and the environment.
Smart phone makers can significantly contribute to reduce greenhouse gases by making their products more energy efficient. They can also pressure energy suppliers to use more renewable energy, rather than the traditional coal and oil. In addition, app makers can make their products more energy efficient to prolong battery life and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.