Abstract of Carroll's Article

CLAIM
- E-waste (electronic waste; typically broken down computers and other outdated technology) is being improperly disposed of/recycled and sold to underdeveloped nations, many of which burn the materials in search of valuable metals. This is leading to high levels of toxic substances in the atmosphere.


STATEMENT OF CLAIM
- "Future archaeologists will note that at the end of the twentieth century, a new, noxious kind of clutter exploded across the landscape: the digital detritus that has come to be called e-waste."


SUBCLAIMS
- Products are becoming outdated more quickly, allowing for the levels of e-waste to increase.
- Although 20% of this waste is going to recycling plants, much of the material is still improperly disposed of.
- Imports of e-waste to developing countries is dangerous and harmful to the health of the citizens of those countries.
- Although some countries, such as China, have banned (and successfully limited) imports of e-waste from developed countries, many illegal trading rings exist between independent sellers smaller countries.


SUPPORT
- (p. 31) "...at any given time, all the machines considered state of the art are simultaneously on the verge of obsolescence."
- (p. 32) "While some recyclers process the material with an eye toward minimizing pollution and health risks, many more sell it to brokers who ship it to the developing world, where environmental enforcement is weak." (Out of sight, out of mind.)
- (p. 35) "The air near some electronics salvage operations that remain open contains the highest amounts of dioxin measured anywhere in the world."
- (p. 36-7) Carroll tells the story of Baah, who on nights and weekends sells his brother in Ghana old computers that he gets for cheap on the internet.


WARRANTS
- Those reading the article are familiar with the fact that most electronics become out of date almost immediately after their release.
- People are aware that the chemicals named in the article are known to be toxic and that the developing countries named are, in fact, developing countries.