In a report published by Clean Production Action and the Computer TakeBack Campaign, two groups studying environmental and health issues related to computers, researchers contend that potentially dangerous elements of brominated fire retardants are turning up in dust samples swiped from computers. The research indicates that the most commonly found example of these substances, widely used fire prevention compounds known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, have been found to cause health problems in lab animals.
Perhaps of greater concern is the report's contention that PBDEs, which have been shown to present reproductive and neurological risks to animals used in lab tests, remain persistent in the environment and contaminate food supplies, animals and humans. The researchers claim that the PBDE threat is greatest in North America, where women were found to have the highest levels of the chemicals present in their breast milk, and that PBDE levels are doubling in the US population every two to five years.
It's important to note that PBDEs are not only found in computers, but the flame retardants are also commonly used in other electronics, including televisions, radios, and other standard household devices. In addition, while the substances have been linked to health issues in animals, there has been no definitive research proving their danger to humans.
The PBDE report arrives at a time when PC companies have been increasing efforts aimed at recycling old computing gear. Though the potentially toxic elements have been found at comparable levels in similar tests of other consumer electronics, and though it is recognised that devices such as cathode-ray tube televisions may pose even greater risks to the environment, the researchers said they targeted computers because of the rapid build-up of PCs in US landfills.
Limited recycling thus farEven though Dell, Hewlett-Packard and IBM -- the world's three largest PC manufacturers, collectively shipping about 60 million units in 2003, according to IDC -- all offer PC recycling programs, the number of PCs they recycle is still relatively low, analysts say. And there's a growing backlog to contend with: The Environmental Protection Agency, for one, has estimated that the number of computers thrown out over the five years between 2002 and 2007 will reach 250 million.
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