By Adrianne Kroepsch, CQ Staff
Worried that the transition to digital television will result in a nationwide dumping of lead-laden analog TV sets early next year, environmentalists pushing for a response are beginning to gain traction in Congress. But the attention from lawmakers may be too late to limit damage.
Two resolutions (S Res 663 and H Res 1395) calling for the United States to join other nations in banning the export of electronic waste to developing countries have been introduced. But even if enacted, they would have little or no legal impact. The prospects for any other substantial congressional action in the short term are dim.
The vast majority of old TVs and computers are dumped in local landfills, but the U.S. also sends massive quantities of consumer electronics to the developing world, where they are often dismantled under unsafe conditions.
The Environmental Protection Agency has done little to oversee those exports, which can leach lead, mercury and other toxic chemicals into the environment, according to a scathing report released by the Government Accountability Office. Lead from exported waste has been found to return to the U.S. in Chinese-made children's toys, according to a study by Ashland University.
Electronics dumping is expected to skyrocket after the shutdown of analog TV broadcasting in February, as consumers replace analog TVs with new digital sets.
"We're estimating that millions of old TVs will be dumped, some of which contain as much as ten pounds of lead," said Ted Smith, chairman of the Electronics TakeBack Coalition.
With little time left to move legislation, Smith conceded that raising awareness on recycling options for consumers will be the most environmentalists can hope for between now and February.
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