Samsung's corny phone answers the eco call

Stephen Withers
Wednesday, 18 June 2008 07:14

Your IT - Mobility

According to Greenpeace, part of the problem is that some disposal or recycling processes such as incineration or burning can convert BFRs into other hazardous chemicals such as hydrogen bromide and brominated dioxins.

The use of BFRs can be avoided with by the substitution of less-hazardous chemicals, or by using casing materials that do not require the application of a flame retardant material.

PVC is widely used as an insulator in electronic equipment. It may contain lead compounds, and if incinerated it may produce chlorinated dioxins.

In October 2007, Greenpeace published a report claiming that Apple's iPhone contains bromine compounds (though none of the BFRs covered by the European Unions Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive were detected), along with what appeared to be PVC in the headphone cables.

In 2006, NEC released a mobile phone with a case made largely from bio-plastics, while Nokia has indicated that bio-plastics will be part of its future product range.

Nokia was the first phone manufacturer in the world to introduced 'fully charged' alerts, and has announced this feature will be found in its entire range by the end of 2008. The company is also working to reduce the 'no load' energy consumption of its chargers, to cater for people who leave them permanently plugged in.