Microprocessor Hazards

I smell a homework-ish problem.

Do you plan on eating the chips?

Do you plan on working in the Fab?

The chips themselfs are 100% encased, so no exposure to the device itself is possible.

What are you really trying to ask?

It's not so much the chips - it's the dips.

"I want to be well informed on making a healthy choice"

Eat your greens.

What are the elements that pose hazards and what has been done to help consumers today.

Well I don't care what anyone else tells you but LEAD is NOT one of them (significant that is)!

You know something went seriously wrong when children's toys designed to go in their mouths have more lead in them than a computer motherboard full of microchips (not designed to go in the mouth).

This is a broad topic, but I want to be well informed on making a healthy choice of a healthy product over a brand name.

They are all made in the same way and due to legal requirements they all manage their waste in a similar manner. Try a search of the company websites of the products you are looking at as they may have some information there regarding their company or products environmental impact or "green" initiatives.

If you want more specific information it gets very complex (even for manufacturers to follow)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restriction_of_Hazardous_Substances_Directive

etc