GreenPeace, our favourite hands-on environmental safety organisation have recently been checking up on our 3 major console creators. A recent report known as ‘Playing Dirty’ was issued after the autopsy of the Nintendo Wii Remote, PS3 Sixaxis Controller and Xbox 360 controller found many hazardous chemicals used in the circuit boards. Including aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC), phthalates, beryllium and bromine indicative of brominated flame retardants (BFRs.) all 3 controllers tested very high indeed for levels of Bromine. GreenPeace Says:

“Brominated flame retardants do not break down easily and build up in the environment. Long-term exposure can lead to impaired learning and memory functions. They can also interfere with thyroid and oestrogen hormone systems and exposure in the womb has been linked to behavioural problems.”

Phthalate, DHEP, which is probably the most concerning chemical involved when it comes to the male side of things, is known to interfere and damage the sexual development in mammals - especially males. High levels of this substance are found in the Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers. To be fair, if guys are spending long enough on their consoles to be effected, the chances are - they won’t be doing much reproduction anyway.

Download the ‘Playing Dirty’ report.