SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- "Toxic dust" found on computer
processors and monitors contains chemicals linked to reproductive
and neurological disorders, according to a new study by several
environmental groups.
The survey, released Thursday by Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition,
Computer TakeBack Campaign and Clean Production Action, is among
the first to identify brominated flame retardants on the surfaces
of common devices in homes and offices.
Electronics companies began using polybrominated diphenyl (PBDEs)
and other flame retardants in the 1970s, arguing that the toxins
prevent fires and cannot escape from plastic casings.
"This will be a great surprise to everyone who uses a computer,"
said Ted Smith, director of the Toxics Coalition. "The chemical
industry is subjecting us all to what amounts to chemical trespass
by putting these substances into use in commerce. They continue to
use their chemicals in ways that are affecting humans and other
species."
Researchers collected samples of dust from dozens of computers in
eight states, including university computer labs in New York,
Michigan and Texas, legislative offices in California, and an
interactive computer display at a children's museum in Maine. They
tested for three types of brominated flame retardants suspected to
be hazardous.
Penta- and octa-brominated diphenyl will be taken off the market by
the end of the year. Environmental groups are demanding legislation
that would ban deca-brominated diphenyl, too.
PBDEs, which have caused neurological damage in laboratory rats in
numerous studies, are related to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
PCBs have been used in fire extinguishers, fluorescent lights and
liquid insulators since the 1920s.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, part of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and several other
organizations have confirmed that PCBs damage brains of human
fetuses.
Scientists have not directly correlated exposure to PBDEs with
specific diseases or developmental impairment. Researchers at
University of California, Davis, and elsewhere are studying
possible links between brominated flame retardants and autism, but
results are years away.
Independent researchers who reviewed the new study say consumers
shouldn't throw out their computers, and they needn't wear special
gloves or minimize exposure to computer monitors. There's no known
way to remove dust-born PBDEs, so special wipes or sprays wouldn't
reduce chemical exposure.
"The levels in the dust are enough to raise a red flag, but not
enough to create a crisis," said Dr. Gina Solomon, senior scientist
at the Natural Resources Defense Council and assistant professor of
medicine at University of California, San Francisco. "I have an old
computer monitor in front of me now, and I'm not about to throw it
away. But when I get a new one, it darn well will be free of these
chemicals."
The electronics industry has been reducing or eliminating some
brominated flame retardants since the late 1990s, when European
countries began prohibiting the sale of products that contain the
chemicals.
Dell Inc. and many other computer makers continue using a flame
retardant related to PBDEs on circuit boards. They use lead,
mercury and other toxins in central processing units and monitors.
But Dell, along with Apple Computer Inc. and others, stopped using
PBDEs in 2002.
"People can be very confident about their new computer purchase,"
Dell spokesman Bryant Hilton said. "We've worked a lot with
suppliers, and we require audits and material data sheets on all
our products. It's an important topic to be aware of, and
brominated flame retardants are something we've been very focused
on and will continue to be focused on."
Extract from: "Study: Computer 'toxic dust' linked to
diseases"