What toxic metals are often found in e-waste?

• A. Cadmium and arsenic.
• B. Lead and mercury.
• C. Copper and zinc.
• D. Nickel and chromium.

Answer: (B)

Lead and mercury are the metals most classically tied to the hazards of e-waste. Lead has been widely used in solder, connectors, and various components, and mercury has appeared in switches, relays, and backlights. Both are highly toxic and persistent in the environment, so when e-waste is not properly managed, they pose serious health and ecological risks.

Other metals mentioned can be toxic as well, but the combination of lead and mercury is the most representative of e-waste hazards due to their historical prevalence in electronics and well-established toxicity. Copper and zinc are common in devices and are less notorious as toxic metals in this context, while nickel and chromium can be hazardous in specific forms but do not define e-waste toxicity as strongly as lead and mercury.