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The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) claims that dangerous toxins similar to PCBs are leaking from common electrical items. Tests from garbage dumps, cod and mussels revealed widespread presence of the toxins in eastern Norway.
SFT division leader Kari Holden said the toxins - brominated flame retardants (BFRs) - stem from junked electrical goods such as computers and TVs. The toxins have also been found in mussels and cod liver from the Oslo fjord.
Increased levels found closer to land can indicate that the "key sources are local", according to Holden.
The study by the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) confirmed that all forms of the toxins could also be transmitted in the air, and they are known to be present in offices with large amounts of computer equipment.
The toxins are often compared to PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls), common industrial chemicals and one of the world's most widespread and toxic pollutants. Both are types of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can spread via the environment, accumulate in the food chain and degrade slowly. BFRs are associated with liver and nerve damage and can be spread in earth, air and water.
BFRs are not acutely toxic, but pose a long-term health risk as the substance accumulates in the system.
The SFT now wants brominated flame retardants phased out, and has declared a program to greatly reduce their production. BFRs are used in a wide range of products to reduce flammability, including electrical equipment, textiles, plastics in vehicles, paints and insulation foam.
The SFT estimates Norway sells between 300 and 600 tons of BFRs per year, half of these in circuit boards in computers and televisions
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