Greenpeace test finds PS3, Xbox 360, Wii toxic

BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhuanet) --In their new "Playing Dirty" report,
environmental organization Greenpeace found that all three home video game
consoles - Sony's PS3, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii - tested positive
for a variety of hazardous chemicals, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
beryllium, bromine, and phthalates.

The latter, found in relatively high levels in both the Xbox 360 and PS3,
are not permitted in components of toys or childcare products sold in the
European Union. However, game consoles are not classified as toys and therefore
are not subject to existing legislation.

"Whether game consoles are classified as toys or not, they can still
contain hazardous chemicals and materials that could harm humans. The technology
is available for the manufacturers to design out toxics and produce greener game
consoles now," said Greenpeace's Dr. Kevin Brigden in a press release.

The report found that all three systemscontained significant levels
of bromine, a chemical linked to impaired memory functions and other health
problems. One of the phthalates found in the 360 and PS3, a chemical called
DEHP, is also known to interfere with sexual development in mammals, especially
males.

Greenpeace points outthe three console manufacturers have "avoided or
reduced uses of individual hazardous substances in certain materials within
their consoles." Nintendo's Wii showed no traces of beryllium in its electrical
contacts, the Xbox 360 used fewer brominated materials in its housing materials
and the PS3 circuit boards were bromine-free.

"Our test clearly shows that a greener game console is possible, said Casey
Harrell, Greenpeace International toxics campaigner. "By combining the best
practices of each console design, we could replace most of the hazardous
chemicals found in these game consoles with toxic free materials."

Greenpeace has further identified game consoles as key contributors towards
a growing waste product called "ewaste." Once they reach theend of useful
life, the group said, game consoles are "often dumped and end up in unsafe and
dirty recycling yards in developing countries, where toxic contents harm both
the environment and the health of workers."

(Agencies)