Computer giant Dell is winning praise in Mexico on news that it is phasing out two substances used in the manufacture of its machines: bromated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chlorides (PVC). Under its new Chemical Use Policy, released June 26, Dell will get all its plants and outside suppliers worldwide to stop using the substances by 2009. Though Dell itself has no manufacturing facilities in Mexico, the policy applies to Mexican plants owned by companies that supply parts for Dell machines. The targeted substances raise concerns on account of their human-health impacts and the fact that they persist in the environment and the human body. BFRs, used in the computer industry in plastic casings, cables and circuit boards, have been associated with endocrine... [Log in to read more]