Worried about chemicals that can leach

**RyanScrap** · 11-01-2013, 02:41 PM

Leach and/or transfer from having contact with these materials.

Preventing Lead Exposure during Metal Recycling

Been worried about potential chemicals that can leach/transfer from working with old electronics.

I was wondering how I can prevent exposure that may harm my family or myself.

What does everyone do to keep yourself safe from mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), Asbestos etc...?

Thanks

**hobo finds** · 11-01-2013, 03:17 PM

good list of hazards here... Hazardous Substances in e-Waste | ewasteguide.info

**RyanScrap** · 11-01-2013, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by hobo finds

good list of hazards here... [url=good list of hazards here... Hazardous Substances in e-Waste | ewasteguide.info[/url]

Thanks. It gives some good examples with each chemical as well.

It just makes me curious if everyone who is a scrapper makes a concession to have a low level exposure of these substances, or if their is a method that
someone uses to try to prevent as much exposure as possible.

The obvious that comes to mind is:

Pre Break Down of Material:
--Mask http://www.mcmaster.com/#53565t2/=p6yu7b||http://www.discountsafetygear.com/3mp95pawereb.html
--Glasses/Face shield
--Full body Coveralls http://www.toolsource.com/moonsuit-n...-p-118377.html
--Gloves (external work gloves with internal disposable gloves)

Then post material breakdown:
--Soak/Wash breakdown clothes separately
--Shower (focus on face and exposed skin/hair)
--Brush teeth
--Scrub Nails to get anything out from under them.

Most important of all is to not use your house as the breakdown area. Keep material outside always.

This is probably the best process but it is also a lot to do just to prevent contamination.

**redcrossnj** · 11-01-2013, 05:34 PM

don't sh** where you eat

**Mechanic688** · 11-01-2013, 09:58 PM

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/day-l...-you-sick.html

**jimicrk** · 11-01-2013, 10:11 PM

hobo finds, thanks for the list. I see transformers are on the list for PCB's and I've been researching them for a few days now. I know the big transformers on utility poles contain PCB's, or the older ones do, but what about transformers that are in battery backups or power supplies. The kind that are wrapped in paper and have what I believe is varnish on them.

**hobo finds** · 11-02-2013, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by jimicrk

hobo finds, thanks for the list. I see transformers are on the list for PCB's and I've been researching them for a few days now. I know the big transformers on utility poles contain PCB's, or the older ones do, but what about transformers that are in battery backups or power supplies. The kind that are wrapped in paper and have what I believe is varnish on them.

Not Sure. Some infp here... http://www.nj.gov/drbc/library/docum...electrical.pdf