BRUSSELS – Greenpeace’s campaign against brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) in electronics puts consumers at risk of being injured or killed by fire, says the bromine industry’s science and environment trade group.

The Bromine Science and Environmental Forum says the international environmental group ignores “the significant fire danger that electronic products can pose if they overheat” and is “aiming to force major game console manufacturers – and their customers – to stop using the best tested and scientifically documented flame retardants.”

“It is essential that consumer electronics are fire safe. Brominated flame retardants are a very effective, proven way to provide that protection – and they have also been categorically proved to be safe for human health and the natural environment,” said Michael Spiegelstein, BSEF chairman. “Greenpeace is acting irresponsibly by simply campaigning to ban some of the best scientifically tested and approved flame retardants.”

Greenpeace recently issued a report, “Playing Dirty,” in which it claimed analysis of game consoles showed high levels of bromine, which does not break down easily and builds up in the environment. Long-term exposure can lead to impaired learning and memory functions, and can interfere with thyroid and oestrogen hormone systems. In the report, Greenpeace noted that were game consoles classified as toys, EU legislation concerning hazardous chemicals use in toys would mean they couldn’t be sold in the EU market.

BSEF, an international organization representing the bromine chemical industry, claims manufacturers that submit to Greenpeace’s demands would be forced to use less-tested chemicals – since products that are not fire-resistant are not an option – and in so doing would put customers at risk.