Their computer is a really good way for many people who suffer from Multiple-Chemical-Sensitivity Syndrome to stay in touch with the outside world. Additionally it can be used to make money, as leaving the house can be quite a challenge.

Unfortunately, almost all computers contain numerous toxic and carcinogenic substances, that make it very difficult for people with chemical sensitivities to use them at all or over longer periods of time.

These toxins and carcinogens affect all computer users. The big difference is, a person with chemical sensitivities has an allergic reaction, many times instantly, to these substances.

“Healthy” people are affected, too. Symptoms could range from “almost nothing”, “a tad more tired” in the evening after working a day in front of the computer, to “a more severe cold” instead of a lighter one.

Now, What Triggers the Reactions?

1. Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR), Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA)
Brominated flame retardants are used, in the form of Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), on the electronics to avoid the spread of fire. Previously they were also widely used in the plastic parts of computer cases and keyboards.

Many people with Multiple-Chemical-Sensitivity Syndrome tell us that they are allergic to those. TBBPAs are chemically bound in the epoxy, but small amounts of the substance seem to actually gas out. It seems even very low levels can affect people with [tag-ice]chemical sensitivities[tag-ice].

2. Plasticizers
These substances are unregulated. Most of them are likely “gassing out”, adding to the substance mix around the computer.
If a plastic is getting brittle or less flexible over time, it has been out-gassing.

3. Toxic and Carcinogenic Manufacturing Residue
These are the most underreported and unregulated substances in a computer. The biggest culprit seem to be the substances used during the soldering process of the electronics. The solder flux/washing solution leave a slightly “greasy” look and feel on electronics.

These substances can contain carcinogenic and toxic substances. Soldering waste is hazardous waste in some countries, but not in most countries where electronics are actually manufactured.

Read the article “Toxic and Carcinogenic Chemicals in Computers” for more information.

What Can Be Done?

Reducing and/or partially eliminating all of the above seems to make the computer acceptable for most of the chemical sensitivities sufferers.

Environmentally friendly computers reduce brominated flame retardants and the toxic and carcinogenic substances by over 95%. The reductions combined with optimized electromagnetic shielding, low noise levels and ergonomic design make these computers usable for people with chemical sensitivities out of the box or within days of unpacking.

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