The researchers cut up the QD panels. Of course they will leach in an acidic bath! Nevertheless, they found the amount of leaching very small -

The researchers are still working to precisely quantify the exact amount of leached materials in the solutions. But based on studies done so far, Bi says, "we aren't seeing huge amounts of leaching, especially when we are talking about realistic disposal methods, such as the chunked up electronics or whole product. If you dispose of a nice TV, we don't expect too much release of the cadmium." The released amount is on the order of nanograms per cubic centimeter, far less than the threshold that is considered dangerous.