Solved! Questions about my laptop.

hasben10

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Jul 8, 2011
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Do motherboards contain harmful components or chemicals?

Do the temperature sensors in a laptop motherboard contain mercury? (is there mercury in any part of the motherboard?)

Why do motherboards emit a bad smell(even if its turned off)?
(i can't even breathe near my laptop motherboard. It makes me cough)

Thanks to anyone who can answer.


 
Solution
Yes, some motherboards can contain mercury and other harmful chemicals. Newer boards are safer, but you should properly recycle of old electronics instead of throwing them away.

Motherboards smell bad when they burn because most chemicals don't smell too pleasant when they burn - especially those in electronic products. That being said, mercury won't kill you if you're exposed to it for a short time, and neither will the fumes from your board. I've been at the hand of plenty burnt machines, and I'm not nuts. (or am I....muhahaha) However, if it is in fact burnt...why are you keeping it? Replace the burnt parts or recycle the machine.

frozenlead

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Yes, some motherboards can contain mercury and other harmful chemicals. Newer boards are safer, but you should properly recycle of old electronics instead of throwing them away.

Motherboards smell bad when they burn because most chemicals don't smell too pleasant when they burn - especially those in electronic products. That being said, mercury won't kill you if you're exposed to it for a short time, and neither will the fumes from your board. I've been at the hand of plenty burnt machines, and I'm not nuts. (or am I....muhahaha) However, if it is in fact burnt...why are you keeping it? Replace the burnt parts or recycle the machine.
 
Solution