Greenpeace Investigates Levels of Toxic Materials Found in Laptop Computers

Greenpeace has completed its latest investigation into levels of toxic materials found in laptop computers, according to a press release issued on the group's website this week. The group said that producers have made progress in reducing and eliminating some toxins that were commonly found in older laptop models, but that there is plenty of work to be done before laptops are free of toxic substances like PVC, bromine, and phthalates. "The ongoing use of such chemicals has the potential to impact on the environment and human health as a result of the manufacture, use and disposal of these products," wrote Greenpeace researchers in their latest report on the matter.

Greenpeace researchers working at the group's Essex Research Laboratories tested laptops built by Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Sony, and Toshiba for toxins. Sony laptops were found to have the smallest number of components containing bromine. Dell laptops contained the largest number of components containing the same toxin. Almost half of the plastic coated internal wiring and external cables that were tested contained PVC. It was shown that the power cords that come standard with most laptops contained pththalates, regardless of the brand.

The group praised laptop makers for reducing their reliance on lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic substances. It noted that progress had been made even in countries and regions where no laws required laptop makers to limit their use of hazardous substances. The European Union has passed laws requiring laptop manufacturers to limit their use of toxic materials. But laptop makers followed a similar standard even in regions where no such laws exist.

The Greenpeace investigation also showed that for almost all components containing PVC and bromine an alternative free of these harmful substances was available and being used by some laptop manufacturers. In fact components found to contain hazardous materials in some models had already been replaced by equivalent parts free of toxins in other models. This fact led Greenpeace researchers to speculate that by combining the toxin free parts found in various models manufacturers could create a laptop free of the most dangerous substances found in most laptops today.

"Greenpeace's goal is for computer manufacturers to eliminate the use of toxic materials completely," said a statement released on the Greenpeace International website. According to Greenpeace Sony has made the most progress towards this goal. The group also praised Apple for its efforts, while noting that Dell, HP, and Acer lagged behind its competitors. Interested consumers can take action by asking laptop manufacturers to build safer, environmentally friendly laptops.