More than 90 percent of electronic devices contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), toxic chemicals that are widely used flame-retardants but could cause damage to the human liver, kidneys, brain, as well as neural and endocrine systems, Taipei’s Department of Environmental Protection said.
Second Division Director Yang Wei-hsiu (楊維修) said the department has listed PBDEs as a toxic substance, but has yet to impose a full-scale ban on their use.
“As PBDEs are cheap and can effectively reduce the flammability of items, they are frequently used by electronics manufacturers in making the covers of products, circuit boards and voltage transformers,” Yang said.
PBDEs could interfere with human growth, hormone function and reproductive health, he said.
The substances in question are added during the manufacturing process and are undetectable to the human eye, Yang said.
“However, the plastic smell coming from electronic devices after their temperatures rise to a certain level is a sign that the PBDEs within them are starting to evaporate into the air,” Yang said.
“That means the longer you use the devices, the higher level of PBDEs you will be exposed to,” he added.
PBDEs can enter the body through the respiratory system or the mouth.
One problem is that PBDEs can land on furniture or other surfaces.
They can then be picked up by hands and fingers, and then transferred to the mouth, especially by young children.
“Toddlers are more prone to accidentally swallow the substances as they like to touch things and then suck on their hands,” Yang said.
Recent research conducted by National Cheng Kung University’s Research Center for Environmental Trace Toxic Substances found that PBDEs are fat-soluble toxic chemicals that can easily be absorbed by or stored in the body, causing liver and kidney impairment and affecting the brain, as well as neural and hormonal systems.
People should make sure that household surfaces are cleaned frequently, ensure ample circulation of fresh air and avoid eating when using electronic devices, to help reduce the risk of ingesting PBDEs, Yang said.
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