Smartphone Materials and Environmental Impact

What types of materials are found in an average smartphone?

• Only common metals like iron and aluminum.

• About 70 different chemical elements, including rare earth elements and precious metals.

• Mainly plastic and glass, with a few wires.

• Only gold, silver, and copper.

What special properties do rare earth elements have that make them important for modern technologies like smartphones?

• They are very lightweight and flexible.

• They have magnetic, phosphorescent, and conductive properties.

• They are easy to find and extract from the Earth.

• They can change color and shape.

What is a major environmental problem caused by open pit mining for smartphone materials?

• It creates new lakes for wildlife.

• It helps plants grow faster.

• It destroys natural habitats and causes air and water pollution.

• It makes the soil more fertile.

What is a significant problem with e-waste being exported to certain countries for disassembly?

• It creates many new jobs with good pay.

• It helps to clean up the environment in those countries.

• Workers may be exposed to toxic elements like lead and mercury, damaging their nervous systems.

• The materials are always safely reused in new products.