B.2.2 The Risks And Your Role In Reducing Them - GE Ultrasonic USM Go Operator's Manual

Appendix B. Environmental Compliance

B.2.2 The Risks and Your Role in Reducing Them

Your participation is an important part of the effort to minimize the impact of batteries and accumulators on the environment and on human
health. For proper recycling you can return this product or the batteries or accumulators it contains to your supplier or to a designated
collection point.
Some batteries or accumulators contain toxic metals that pose serious risks to human health and to the environment. When required, the
product marking includes chemical symbols that indicate the presence toxic metals: Pb for lead, Hg for mercury, and Cd for cadmium.
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Cadmium poisoning can result in cancer of the lungs and prostate gland. Chronic effects include kidney damage, pulmonary
emphysema, and bone diseases such as osteomalcia and osteoporosis. Cadmium may also cause anemia, discoloration of the teeth, and
loss of smell (anosmia).
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Lead is poisonous in all forms. It accumulates in the body, so each exposure is significant. Ingestion and inhalation of lead can cause
severe damage to human health. Risks include brain damage, convulsions, malnutrition, and sterility.
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Mercury creates hazardous vapors at room temperature. Exposure to high concentrations of mercury vapor can cause a variety of severe
symptoms. Risks include chronic inflammation of mouth and gums, personality change, nervousness, fever, and rashes.
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