Free Republic

California residents have twice the level of flame retardant chemicals in their blood and 10 times as much in their homes as the rest of the nation, according to new research. Thirty years ago, California raised its flame retardant standards with safety in mind. The widespread use of flame retardant chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, followed. But there was an unintended consequence: elevated levels of PBDEs in people's bodies and homes. PBDEs are embedded in furniture, cars, electronics and other consumer products to slow fires. But the life savers also contain toxic chemicals, which are ingested and...

Most companies are responding to the European directives to remove lead (and other toxic substances) from their products, while others still try to figure it out. For most of the industry, lead-free means home free. At least for a while. You have likely heard by now that the European Union (EU) adopted a new directive called Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS). It eliminates or significantly reduces the use of certain substances from electronic products beginning July 1, 2006.If you haven't already done so, now might be a good time to remove most of the lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg),...

Study: 'Toxic Dust' on Computers Has Chemicals Linked to Diseases By Rachel Konrad/Associated Press Jun 3, 2004 SAN FRANCISCO (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...