18 September
2006 - Some of the best-known laptops are contaminated
with some of the worst toxic chemicals. Of the
five top brands we tested Hewlett-Packard and
Apple laptops showed the worst contamination levels.
An independant Danish laboratory
tested for the presence of several toxic chemicals,
including brominated flame retardants (BFRs),
polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC), and even lead,
in brand new laptops from five of the world's
leading manufacturers (Acer, Apple, Dell, HP,
Sony). HP and Apple laptops contained the highest
levels of contamination.
We have been pressuring leading
electronic companies to ditch toxic chemicals
in favour of safer alternatives. The laptop tests
reveal if the top companies are matching nice
green words with real action.
Chemical lies?
Results for HP revealed high
levels of a number of chemicals in its components,
in particular the highest levels by far of PBDEs
(a class of Brominated Fire Retardants) including
something called decaBDE. HP's website claims
it removed decaBDE from its products years ago.
Either HP is lying or HP needs
to ask its suppliers some tough questions. Lead
was also found in the soldering.
HP has been downgraded due to
these results on our Guide to Greener Electronics.
The guide ranks PC and mobile companies on their
chemical and waste policies and practices. HP
was third but has slipped to sixth position, with
4.7 out of 10, down from 5.7.
Poison Apples
Apple has recently launched
its new range of MacBooks, but what you also get
with a new MacBook is the highest level of another
type of toxic flame retardant, tetrabromobisphenol
A. Apple claims it is looking for alternatives
but for now it appears to be using far more of
this toxic chemical than its competitors.
Dr. Kevin Brigden, of the Greenpeace
Science Unit, was alarmed by the results: "During
the sampling process it was remarkable to note
that, whether Mac or PC, once you by-pass the
sleek and cool design of these computers, hazardous
substances are a component common to all."
Previous Greenpeace research
has revealed that the same toxic chemicals found
in these tests are polluting electronic waste
(e-waste) scrap yards in China and India. These
yards are often the final polluted resting place
of computers thrown away in other countries.
Dr. Brigden visited these yards
to take samples in 2005: "BFRs, especially
PDBEs, were widespread in the recycling yards
and surrounding environment in China and India
where electronics components are being scrapped.
Lead was also found in many locations, often at
very high levels."
Because none of the large electronics
players have a comprehensive take-back policy
for their old products many old computers end
up dumped in Asia and recycled by hand in appalling
conditions.
Electronics is a fast moving,
innovative industry that can respond quickly to
users' wishes and new trends. It's high time it
moved quickly to make greener, longer-lasting
products to help reverse the growing trend in
toxic e-waste.
