America's Escalating Hazards of Exporting E-Waste

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Over the past 20 years, there has been a sudden escalation of hazardous waste produced in developed countries. Americans alone dispose of 130 million cell phones and 50 million computers a year, and by the year 2010, the figure will jump to 400 million computers, television sets, cell phones and other electronic products. To date, most of this e-waste has wound up in our land fills. Much of the rest of it has been shipped to China and other developing countries where the importation of toxic waste products has grown into a booming industry. Yet the air, the rivers and workers in these nations often have no safety regulations to protect them from contamination in handling waste of a hazardous nature. Guest host Diana Nyad discusses the escalating exportation of hazardous waste from environmental activists, the electronics industry and recyclers. Making News: Hundreds of Thousands of Lebanese Demonstrate against Syria Demonstrations in Lebanon have been staged every Monday since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri a month ago, but the largest rally yet took today in Beirut-s central square. Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese crammed into the square, demanding the withdrawal of Syrian forces. Political analyst Paul Salem says Muslims and Christians attended in opposition to last week's pro-Syria rally. Reporter's Notebook: Disney Appoints Bob Iger to CEO While much success came to the Walt Disney Company under Michael Eisner, it's public knowledge that over his 21-year reign, the Chief Executive Officer stirred controversy and made enemies. Today, a year before planned, the Magic Kingdom has a new CEO. Robert Iger, who's spent his whole career at ABC/Disney, will take over in September. Gigi Johnson, Executive Director of UCLA's Entertainment and Media Management Institute at UCLA, has more on the controversial successor.
Over the past 20 years, there has been a sudden escalation of hazardous waste produced in developed countries. Americans alone dispose of 130 million cell phones and 50 million computers a year, and by the year 2010, the figure will jump to 400 million computers, television sets, cell phones and other electronic products. To date, most of this e-waste has wound up in our land fills. Much of the rest of it has been shipped to China and other developing countries where the importation of toxic waste products has grown into a booming industry. Yet the air, the rivers and workers in these nations often have no safety regulations to protect them from contamination in handling waste of a hazardous nature. Guest host Diana Nyad discusses the escalating exportation of hazardous waste from environmental activists, the electronics industry and recyclers.
  • Making News: Hundreds of Thousands of Lebanese Demonstrate against Syria
    Demonstrations in Lebanon have been staged every Monday since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri a month ago, but the largest rally yet took today in Beirut-s central square. Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese crammed into the square, demanding the withdrawal of Syrian forces. Political analyst Paul Salem says Muslims and Christians attended in opposition to last week's pro-Syria rally.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Disney Appoints Bob Iger to CEO
    While much success came to the Walt Disney Company under Michael Eisner, it's public knowledge that over his 21-year reign, the Chief Executive Officer stirred controversy and made enemies. Today, a year before planned, the Magic Kingdom has a new CEO. Robert Iger, who's spent his whole career at ABC/Disney, will take over in September. Gigi Johnson, Executive Director of UCLA's Entertainment and Media Management Institute at UCLA, has more on the controversial successor.
Guest host Diana Nyad holds the world record for the longest swim without the aid of a cage -- from Bimini to Florida, 102.5 miles! She was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2002. Nyad is a business sports columnist for Marketplace, has served as senior sports correspondent for Fox News, and has hosted her own show on CNBC. She's also the author of three books, Other Shores, Basic Training and The Keyshawn Johnson Story.

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Credits

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Warren Olney