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Lead-Free/RoHS > What's the Deal with the Lead-Free Revolution?

Don't be the last to know about the "Lead-Free" Movement		You can't expect to get in the "Lead-Free" game if you don't study your playbook. Click on any of the topics below to find out the rest of the story.
The only thing that is constant, is change and so it was inevitable that the new environmentally-friendly way of thinking that the world has come to embrace since the 1970's would make its way into our industry. 6 chemical substances used in most electronics have been targeted for restriction by the European Commission in an effort to stem the tide of toxins leaking into our ecosystem and establish more environmentally-conscious policies for the industry. These restrictions affect not only products manufactured in Europe, but the products that are being sold there as well. And Europe's 460 Million consumers are too large of a group to ignore. Restricted Substances The substance taking the most heat these days is Lead, as it is part of soldering materials used in just about every product we make and buy these days, but the RoHS restrictions deal with levels of Mercury, Cadmium and many of the flame retardant chemicals used in plastics for electronics as well. The 6 restricted substances are: Lead Mercury Cadmium Hexavalent Chromium Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) WEEE Affected Products Whether your products are manufactured or sold in Europe, they're likely to be affected by the restrictions set down by the European Commission in either the WEEE or RoHS directives. What’s Covered? Large Household Appliances Small Household Appliances IT/Telecom Equipment Consumer Equipment Lighting Equipment Electronic Toys Toys, Leisure & Sports Equipment Medical Devices (except implants & infected products) Monitoring & Control Equipment Automatic Dispensers What’s Exempt? Military Products Large, Stationary Industrial Tools Filament Light Bulbs Household Luminances Products Essential to National Security Implanted & Infected Medical Devices RoHS Affected Products RoHS covers basically the same products as the WEEE directive, but with less exemptions. However, s imilar to WEEE, RoHS allows for a select few exemptions in its scope. Mercury in fluorescent lamps Lead in the glass of cathode ray tubes Lead in electronic ceramic parts Hexavalent chromium as an anti-corrosion material in absorption refrigerators Spare parts for electronics and electronic equipment sold prior to July 1, 2006 These exemptions will be reviewed every 4 years and the list will be added to as evidence shows that viable alternatives exist. There has been a request to allow future exemptions for the Aeronautics and Aerospace sectors.
		Everyone. The public is demanding it, Governments are setting regulations and manufacturers are complying. If you think it won't affect you, I'm afraid you're wrong.

		An industry Revolution. Hazardous substances and electronics waste are the targets of new environmental restrictions across the globe. Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, PBBs and PBDEs, you've been put on notice.

		Planet Earth. The restrictions and regulations are originating in Europe, but Asia and the U.S. are already responding to the call. Everyone has a different take on the subject and different strategies for dealing with the issues at hand but everyone's being affected.

		Like any huge effort, going "Lead-Free" will be an ongoing and fluid process, but it's all happening as we speak. Europe has already set a deadline of July 1st, 2006 and just about every country is on board in some fashion. Mark your calendars, people. It's coming.

		No one wants to be directly responsible for destroying the planet. . .Unless you're and evil genius and that's your plan. . .You're not an evil genius are you?