Greenpeace has just released the ninth edition of its Guide to Greener Electronics, revealing that toxic elements still exist in new computers despite manufacturers’ abilities to produce smaller instruments without the offending materials.
According to the report, computer manufacturers are still including PVC (polyvinyl chloride) insulation and toxic brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the manufacture of their products.
Greenpeace routinely monitors the materials used to create electronic components because many of the elements are toxic, with the potential to leach into groundwater if disposed of improperly. In addition, workers can suffer serious health hazards if they are exposed to the smoke or debris from incinerated or broken down electronic goods. While Greenpeace is concerned about all environmental infractions, its current focus is on the ongoing usage of PVC insulation and BFRs.
To date, no company has launched a computer system completely without these elements. However, some companies have set timetables for the elimination of the materials from their manufacturing processes. One such company is Fujitsu-Siemens Computers, who has committed to eliminating all PVC and BFRs from its products by the end of 2010.
As per previous editions, Greenpeace continues to rate various companies on all aspects of environmental responsibility. Three companies singled out for excellence in the area of energy efficiency were Apple, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson. Apple was also praised by the organisation for its commitment to produce the new line of iPods without the use of harmful elements mercury, PVC and BFRs.
To learn more, go to: Greenpeace.org
Source: PC World
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