What Are the RoHS Substances?
RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) is an environmental initiative, drawn up and implemented by the European Union. RoHS directives restrict the use of potentially harmful substances in manufacturing electronics products.
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Identified Threats
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There are six harmful substances that RoHS puts priority on: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated diphenyls and polybrominated biphenyl ethers.
Impacts
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Substances recognized by the European Union as potential threats were widely used in manufacturing processes, leading up to the bans. These substances, such as lead and mercury, may have adverse effects on health and environment, due to exposure in manufacturing processes and improper disposal.
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RoHS 2
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RoHS 2, to be in place by 2012, will include an SVCH (substances of very high concern) list. The identified substances will be strictly controlled, and very few industries will be granted exemptions. SVCH includes hexabromocycloddecane, diethylhxyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate.
Implications
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Businesses that manufacture electrical and electronics products, sub-assemblies and components in the EU, or sell to resellers or distributors who forward the goods to EU markets, will be affected by the rules. These businesses will have to limit the use of the listed substances.
WEEE
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A related environmental directive is WEEE (waste from electrical and electronic equipment). WEEE encourages safe treatment, recovery and recycling of electrical components.
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