کد مقاله کد نشریه سال انتشار مقاله انگلیسی نسخه تمام متن
1746159 1018083 2009 9 صفحه PDF دانلود رایگان
عنوان انگلیسی مقاله ISI
Plans to distribute the next billion computers by 2015 creates lead pollution risk
موضوعات مرتبط
مهندسی و علوم پایه مهندسی انرژی انرژی های تجدید پذیر، توسعه پایدار و محیط زیست
پیش نمایش صفحه اول مقاله
Plans to distribute the next billion computers by 2015 creates lead pollution risk
چکیده انگلیسی

Major computer and software companies, along with governments and philanthropic organizations have embarked on ambitious plans to put computers in the hands of more than one billion new computer users over the next five to six years in untapped markets in emerging economies. The most frequently proposed solution to overcome the electricity shortfall in communities where new computer users will be located is to use rechargeable lead-acid batteries to provide primary and back-up power for computers. This paper calculates the lead emissions from battery manufacturing and recycling that will result if independent market projections to greatly expand the number, geographic, and socioeconomic distribution of computer users are realized. By examining several possible scenarios, we estimate that between 1250 and 2300 kt of lead – between four and seven times the weight of the Empire State Building – could be released into the environment in the developing world to provide power to computers sold through 2015. Increased lead exposure has a negative impact on children's neurological development as measured by reduced school performance and on standardized tests. In order to realize the educational achievement and economic development benefits of reducing the “digital divide” proponents will need to encourage improvements in lead battery production and recycling in targeted markets.

ناشر
Database: Elsevier - ScienceDirect (ساینس دایرکت)
Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production - Volume 17, Issue 18, December 2009, Pages 1620–1628
نویسندگان
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