Euro Electronics Makers Go Lead Free
(ENS) - Electronics assembly firms are planning an early transition
to the use of lead free solders in electrical and electronic
equipment, with some manufacturers saying they can be lead free by the
end of 2003, well before the European Union phase-out date.
The Global Environmental Coordination Initiative (GECI), which
coordinates research and standardization among component suppliers,
sub-assemblers and brand name electronics firms, says the drive to
exclude lead from products originated in Japan, where Sony found it
increased market share after offering "lead free" products. Also
propelling the change to environmentally friendly manufacturing
processes is a proposed EU law to restrict hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment.
Earlier this year, ministers brought the prohibition forward one year
to 2007. They introduced exemptions for high temperature solders and
those used in certain applications, such as servers and important
communication networks, but hinted that these would not be indefinite.
The GECI has set a target date for consumer electronics and mobile
telephones to be lead free by the end of this year, next year for
portable computers and 2003 for desktop computers.
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in the body. The most
sensitive is the central nervous system, particularly in children.
Lead damages kidneys and the reproductive system.
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