Several popular smartphones found to contain dangerous toxins
Staff Reporter 2012-10-09 12:43
A study shows casing to be the most toxic part of a mobile phone. (File photo/CFP)
Researchers analyzing the chemical substances which go into 36 models of mobile phones on the market, including products from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola, have found these electronic devices to contain numerous toxic substances which may contribute to birth defects and other problems.
The findings based on the environmental ratings of a variety of mobile phones, reveal the safest model to be the Motorola Citrus, while the iPhone 5 took out fifth place, better than its key rival the Samsung Galaxy SIII which ranked as the ninth safest, reports the Yangtze Evening Post.
According to the British Daily Mail, experts from the HealthyStuff.org and electronic appliances repair website Ifixit found when they dismantled and analyzed 36 models of mobile phone component, bacteria reside on the surface and toxic chemicals remain inside after they leave the production line. The data reveal flame retardants, polyvinyl chloride, bromine, lead, tin, chromium, and even heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium were present among the samples.
The study showed each mobile phone tested harbored at least one of the following hazardous chemicals: lead, bromine, chlorine, mercury, and cadmium. Examined parts included the case, display screen, circuit board and other key components. Among these disassembled components, the researchers found the case to be the most toxic part of the phone, containing the highest bromine and chlorine levels. Prolonged exposure to these substances can affect fertility and result in birth defects.
The most toxic of all phones tested was the iPhone 2G. Its high toxicity prompted Greenpeace to issue a hazard warning.
