I know this thread isn't about a mechanical difficulty, but I did ask this as a serious question. Everyone is affected by the chemicals released from commercial products. Some people more than others, depending on genes, immune system health, etc. Chemicals (including pesticides and formaldehyde), most of which are never tested (not even on animals) are applied in the manufacturing of, among other things, computers. That "new smell" of a computer, car, wall-to-wall carpet or what have you is not benign just because huge corporations are allowed to crank out products to sell. The chemicals you smell, and some you don't smell, accumulate in your body and, and this is important, OVER TIME can make you "chemically sensitive", meaning that suddenly ANY amount of chemical can trigger dizziness, headaches, nausea, and make you completely unproductive (hear that management?) or even incapacitate you. No, it doesn't happen to everyone, but it is happening to more and more people, and yet thousands of new chemicals are produced every year and few regulations control the ones already in production. Our precious Macs up until the year 2002 contained PBDE's, a flame retardant related to PCB's that accumulates in the body's tissue and can cause "reproductive and neurological disorders" (Associated Press)*. Apple is one of the first to stop using it, not because they are "paranoid", but because the product has been linked to serious health issues. The companies who produce it still contend that it is safe. Should we believe them?
So... If I ask a serious question about the aluminum my hands are sitting on all day, or, yes, the electromagnetic radiation that ALL electronic equipment produces (especially CRT screens) I don't think I'm out of line, paranoid or ill-informed.
I think Apple is ahead of other companies in computer health issues, and I think that the Mac community needs to take these things seriously, and always keep pushing for more environmentally-friendly, human-friendly products.
I'm done now. Thank you to those who responded thoughtfully.
http://www.laleva.cc/environment/aluminium_alzheimer2.html
*partial excerpt:
By Rachel Konrad, Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO - "Toxic dust" found on computer processors and monitors contains chemicals linked to reproductive and neurological disorders, according to a new study by several environmental groups.
The survey, released Thursday by Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, Computer TakeBack Campaign and Clean Production Action, is among the first to identify brominated flame retardants on the surfaces of common devices in homes and offices.
Electronics companies began using polybrominated diphenyl (PBDEs) and other flame retardants in the 1970s, arguing that the toxins prevent fires and cannot escape from plastic casings.
"This will be a great surprise to everyone who uses a computer," said Ted Smith, director of the Toxics Coalition. "The chemical industry is subjecting us all to what amounts to chemical trespass by putting these substances into use in commerce. They continue to use their chemicals in ways that are affecting humans and other species."
An old man is sitting on a park bench, sobbing. Another old man walks by and says, "Hey, what's wrong?" The man on the bench says, "I have a beautiful 27-year old wife who is athletic, smart, and a sex-crazed maniac." The other man says, "So what's wrong with that?" The man on the bench shouts, "I can't remember where I live!"
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Dan5300c
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