A proposed amendment to the 1976 TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) has been put before the US House of Representatives that could set regulations in the United States similar to those that the ROHS (restriction-of-hazardous-substances) directive set in the European Union. The EDEE (Environmental Design of Electrical Equipment) Act, bill HR2420, aims to “ensure a uniform federal scheme of regulation of restrictions in the use of certain substances in electrical products and equipment in interstate and foreign commerce and for other purposes.” EDEE cites among its aims better trade and the prevention of potential disparities between state laws regarding restrictions on use of toxic substances in electrical products and equipment “that could create barriers to interstate commerce, domestic and foreign trade, and distort global competition.”

EDEE states that, after July 1, 2010, electronic-industry manufacturers cannot produce any product that contains a concentration value greater than 0.1% by weight of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB (polybrominated biphenyl), and PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether) as measured in any homogeneous material the product contains. EDEE lists exemptions that include certain medical equipment, equipment with a voltage rating of 300V or more, and some fixed installations. Visit EDEE for more information.