IPC Brussels meeting reveals ROHS-revisions concerns
Edited by Suzanne Deffree -- EDN, August 21, 2008
If you worry about the possible changes to the ROHS (restriction-of-hazardous-substances) directive, you are not alone. Industry leaders from across the electronics supply chain came together at an IPC workshop in Brussels this summer to address concerns with the Öko-Institut report on the proposed expansion of ROHS-substance restrictions.
The EU (European Union) Commission contracted Öko-Institut to study the inclusion of additional hazardous substances under ROHS beyond the original six materials: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl, and polybrominated diphenyl ether. In its draft report to the commission, Öko recommended the restriction of TBBPA (tetrabromobisphenol A), a flame retardant that protects some 80% of PCBs (printed-circuit boards) and that an EU risk assessment found safe, according to the IPC. In addition to TBBPA, the report suggests bans on HBCDDs (hexabromocylcododecanes), several phthalate plasticizers, and all organic compounds containing chlorine and bromine. “IPC is concerned that Öko-Institut’s recommendations are arbitrary and lack a sound scientific basis. Implemented, these recommendations will have a significant negative impact on our members,” warns Fern Abrams (photo), IPC’s director of government relations and environmental policy.
Attendees at the meeting included members of the European Commission and the ROHS Technical Advisory Committee from Brussels and the United Kingdom.
