Phthalates, Other Toxins Found in Game Consoles

Don’t eat your Xbox – or any other console, for that matter. Not only it’s going to be a waste of money, but even licking it long enough can actually poison you.

In their ‘Playing Dirty’ report, environmental organization Greenpeace found that all three uber-popular 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.

Phthalates were found in relatively high levels in both the Xbox 360 and PS3. 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.

Phthalates 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. (Videogames.Yahoo.com)

“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.

Bromine, according to the report, was found in all three systems. Significant levels of bromine, a chemical linked to impaired memory functions and other health problems.

“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.”