Hewlett Packard to Remove Bromated Flame Retardant from Product Casings
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 11.19.05
Hewlett Packard has announced that it will remove a bromated flame retardant (BFR) from the outer case parts of all new products released after December of 2006. The specific BFR to be removed is tetrabromobisphenol A, one of a family of chemicals used in the plastic components of many electronics, as well as in fabrics and building materials. BFRs have been associated with endocrine disruption and impairment of mental skills, and have been found in women’s breast milk. Bromated flame retardants in electronics can also make e-waste more hazardous. HP announced the goal as part of its Design for the Environment initiative, which has also included the elimination of PVC from external parts, the elimination of mercury from certain products, and e-waste recycling measures. :: HP
It's good. Now take away everything else that could be potentially hazardous in your product to people AND the environment, get it recognised by an environmental and health authority, then market it as healthy and good for the environment.