We're buying an HDTV. Which would be the least toxic to view/have in our home? Plasma (gases), LCD (mercury), LED (optic brain issues)?

Plasma displays are not environment friendly, because they use nitrogen trifluoride during production, a very potent greenhouse gas that can contribute to global warming. Plasma displays may contain xenon, neon, argon, and magnesium. They may sound dangerous, but in fact they are not poisonous, only the magnesium can be dangerous but in extremely high doses.

Many plasmas contain lead, a very poisonous chemical. But some manufactures have eliminated lead from their plasma television. LED panels use fluorescent lamps for back-lights and it contains mercury, a toxic substance.

LED-backlit LCD TVs (or LED TVs) use less energy on average than their plasma counterparts, and do not use any toxic chemical. They are mercury-free. So which is greener?

The answer is LED-backlit LCD TV.

I am not going to repeat what others have said about the toxins, as it is right on the money, but I do want to address your medical issue. I am going to do the opposite of try to sell you a TV. DON'T BUY A TV.

If you have had optic brain issues in the past I will say live without one. This option is the best for the environment by far in terms of production and energy use. You will save a small fortune if you cancel cable TV.

Without time dedicated to TV you will have much more time to earn money and learn new skills. If there is a show you absolutely love, make arrangemets to watch it at a friend's house, extra green points if you walk or bike to that friend. By living without TV you are limiting your exposure and if there is an emergency you are surrounded by friends who can help.

A rear projection. HDTV's such as those large Mitsubishi ones (60+ inches) tend to be rear projection, which basically means they have a bulb just like a projector does. But unlike a regular projector, they area where the image is displayed is 'fixed' (the front panel).

The display of a rear projection TV is nothing but mirrors.. tiny little mirrors and a whole lot of them. And then a very bright bulb (user replaceable). You get true 1080P resolution with color separation, and over the long run is very cost effective.

Yes, they are heavier and occupy more space than a thin LCD/plasma or a superthin LED TV, but think about this.. how often would you be movie the TV anyway? And if you are thinking of moving it much... which one do you think is more prone to failure, accidents, rupture, etc? LCD/plasma/LED or a sturdy rear projection?

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I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.