They reduce the likeliness of these products to catch fire. PC users face serious health hazards. In addition, the flame retardants slowly but steadily release gases from the plastic housings and chip casings and infiltrate the surrounding air. With the air, these hardly degradable persistent toxins are transported all around the globe. Eventually, they are washed out by snow and rain and reach the ocean.
Sea creatures ingest the chemicals from the water.
From plankton to fish to the whales and seals the concentration of these toxins is rising dramatically. Ecologically conscious and non-hazardous flame protection is feasible. The German Federal Environment Office has found that non-hazardous alternative materials like aluminium oxide can maintain product safety just as well. Some of the computer and TV manufacturers have already taken action, many however still refuse to do without the toxic chemicals. This represents an unacceptable hazard for the user's and for the environmental health.