Electronics giant Samsung has recently backtracked on its public commitment to eliminate hazardous chemicals such as PVC (vinyl) plastic and brominated flame retardants from its product line. Unlike other electronics companies such as Apple, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, and HP, Samsung needs more consumers tell it to keep its promises and remove these substances before they end up contaminating soil and water in an e-waste dump in Asia or Africa.

For more information, see: http://www.greenpeace.org/rankingguide and http://www.greenpeace.org/electronics

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
PVC contaminates humans and the environment throughout its lifecycle; during its production, use, and disposal it is the single most environmentally damaging of all plastics, and can form dioxin, a known carcinogen, when burned. Some BFRs are highly resistant to degradation in the environment and are able to build up in animals and humans.

With the growth of electronic waste, workers who deal with e-waste and the wider community are at significant health risks. Burning of e-waste to recover valuable resources, as routinely takes place in the backyards of China, India and much of the global South, can form dioxins. Eliminating the substances will decrease exposure and increase the recyclability and reusability of electronic products.