GE USM 36 Series Technical Reference And Operating Manual page 267

Environmental protection regulations
The risks and your role in minimizing them
By participating in the proper waste disposal, you would
make a valuable contribution towards reducing the dam-
ages possibly caused to the environment and human
health by the batteries or accumulators. For proper re-
cycling, you should return the instrument and/or the bat-
teries it contains to the manufacturer or to a designated
collection point.
Some batteries or accumulators contain toxic metals
that pose serious risks to human health and to the envi-
ronment. When required, the product marking may in-
clude chemical symbols that indicate the presence of
toxic metals in the product: Pb for lead, Hg for mercury,
and Cd for cadmium.
● Cadmium poisoning can result in cancer of the lungs
and prostate gland. Chronic diseases may include
kidney damage, pulmonary emphysema, as well as
bone diseases such as osteomalcia and osteoporo-
sis. Cadmium may also cause anemia, discoloration
of the teeth, and anosmia (loss of smell).
USM 36
● Lead is poisonous in all compounds. It accumulates
in the body so that any form of exposure is critical. In-
gestion and inhalation of lead can cause severe inter-
nal injuries. These may result in brain damage,
convulsions, malnutrition, and sterility.
● Mercury creates hazardous vapors already at room
temperature. Exposure to high concentrations of
mercury vapor can cause a variety of severe symp-
toms. These include e.g. chronic inflammation of
mouth and gums, personality change, nervousness,
fever, and rashes.
Issue 2 (12/2013)
9 Appendix
9-15