Dell to Phase Out Brominated Flame Retardants and PVC by 2009
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 10. 1.06
Via its blog, Dell responded to the recent studies about the environmental performance of the electronics industry by pointing to its chemical use policy (pdf). Interesting bits include: "Dell believes that if reasonable scientific grounds indicate a substance (or group of substances) could pose significant environmental or human health risks, even if the full extent of harm has not yet been definitively established, precautionary measures should be taken to avoid use of the substance(s) in products unless there is convincing evidence that the risks are small and are outweighed by the benefits." In theory, that sounds very good. What about in practice?
Dell is committed to eliminate in our new products all remaining uses of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by 2009, as acceptable alternatives are identified that will not compromise product performance and will lower product health and environmental impacts.
By email we asked a Dell representative what the company's policy was with regards to the different regulations around the world (Europe, Asia, North-America). We're curious to know if the company plans to make different products to meet each local regulations or if they will meet the toughest one (or go even farther) and sell the same products all around the world.
::Dell's Chemical Policy, ::Dell's Chemical Use Policy
See also: ::Dell Introduces Two New Eco-Friendly Desktops, ::Dell To Produce Low-Lead PC, ::Computer Recycling World Tour by Dell, ::Green Electronics Guide From Greenpeace, ::“Rotten to the Core”: Greenpeace Finds Laptops Still Ripe with Toxins
