A Greenpeace report has revealed the presence of toxic substances in well-known brand laptops, with HP and Apple having the highest contamination levels.

"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," concluded Dr. Kevin Brigden from the Greenpeace Research Laboratories who oversaw the sampling analyses and produced the report.

Greenpeace says HP's statement on its website that brominated flame retardant (BFR) decaBDE had been removed many years ago from its products is not true, as Greenpeace investigations found that this chemical is still present.

Among other things, the Greenpeace report 'Toxic Chemicals in Computers Exposed' showed that the HP laptops had high levels of a number of chemicals in its components, in particular the highest levels by far of PBDEs (a class of BFRs) including decaBDE, in the fan. Lead was also found in the soldering. At a concentration of 262 mg/kg, the Apple Macbook contained in the fan the highest level among the five brands tested of another type of toxic, BFR (TBBPA). Many of the chemicals found in the laptops, including lead, PVC and some BFRs, are hazardous to health and persist in the environment.

"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", said Dr. Brigden.

Greenpeace says with no global take back system fully functioning by the electronic companies, there is a high risk that these contaminated products will end up polluting the yards of China and India where many old computers are being dumped.

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