ietsnut / Heavy Metals

To raise awareness about heavy metal poisoning we conducted interviews with several recycling/e-waste companies, and made an interactive artwork using recycled electronic components. Heavy metals in electronics (lead, mercury) devices are harder to properly dispose of in poor countries, but also in regions in Europa with limiting regulations. The e-waste and recycling industry we talked to (Stichting Open) loses millions euros per year, because this isn’t a profitable business.

Preview of the interaction, when a spectator touches the sign, the noise stops and the interview audio becomes clear.
Side effects of heavy metal poisoning.
Airbrush sketch of the side-effect headaches.
Airbrush sketch of the side-effect anorexia.
Airbrush sketch of the side-effect vomiting.
Recreation of the keyboard component.
Recreation of the keyboard component.
Sketches of the side-effects.
An interview with Kees Schrauwen from Cyclus NV
An interview with René Eijsbouts from Stichting Open.
Side effects of heavy metal poisoning.
The interaction was inspired by an old keyboard component.