hp laptops

Some of the best-known laptops are contaminated with some of the worst toxic chemicals. Of the five top brands we tested Hewlett-Packard and Apple laptops showed the worst contamination levels.

An independant Danish laboratory tested for the presence of several toxic chemicals, including brominated flame retardants (BFRs), polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC), and even lead, in brand new laptops from five of the world's leading manufacturers (Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Sony). HP and Apple laptops contained the highest levels of contamination.

We have been pressuring leading electronic companies to ditch toxic chemicals in favour of safer alternatives. The laptop tests reveal if the top companies are matching nice green words with real action.


Chemical lies?

Results for HP revealed high levels of a number of chemicals in its components, in particular the highest levels by far of PBDEs (a class of Brominated Fire Retardants) including something called decaBDE. HP's website claims it removed decaBDE from its products years ago.

Either HP is lying or HP needs to ask its suppliers some tough questions. Lead was also found in the soldering.

HP has been downgraded due to these results on our Guide to Greener Electronics. The guide ranks PC and mobile companies on their chemical and waste policies and practices. HP was third but has slipped to sixth position, with 4.7 out of 10, down from 5.7.