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OUR PROJECTS
In an effort to bring awareness to the dangers of the electronics industry we focus on brief presentations as well as detailed reports. Below is an overview of our most recent report.
Impacts of the Electronic Industry in California
by: Grecia Resendez
This reports examines the history of the electronics industry, and its use of toxins. In particular, the report focuses on the impact of these toxins on women of childrearing age. It concludes that many women exposed to toxins, may have given birth to children with disabilities; an external cost that the industry should pay for. It includes recommendations on how we can create a safer workplace environment.
Key Findings
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Electronics company knowingly exposed workers to neurotoxins
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Due to the toxins pregnant employees suffered spontaneous abortions and/or gave birth to children with birth defects
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Santa Clara County is paying the external costs of the electronics industry by way of special ed program
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Special Ed programs are getting more expensive over time
Common Toxins Used in the Electronics Industry
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Manganese
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Mercury & inorganic mercury compounds
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Methanol
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Methylene chloride
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Styrene
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Trichloroethylene
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Toluene
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Xylenes
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Lead (banned in 2006)
The Real Impact
Mark Flores
As the years progressed it became evident that Mark was severely disabled. And it was later discovered that the power and solvent Yvette was working around were, lead dust, methanol, and lead fumes. Mark, now 43 is severely mentally disabled and can not go out unaccompanied. His mother Yvette is his primary caregiver and every day she wonders who will care for Mark when she no longer can.
Darryl
Darryl's mother was working in the electronics industry when she was pregnant. Her job was to clean electronics components with solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and methanol. As a result of this exposure, Darryl was born with microcephaly. More specifically, the chemical exposures had slowed the growth of Darryl's brain and as a result, the diameter of his skull at birth was also very small.
