RoHS

RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances and is also known as “Lead free” (though incorrectly). RoHS directive is a European Union Directive 2002/95/EC and is applicable in all EU countries. The prime purpose of this directive is to restrict the use of hazardous substances in electric and electronic equipments with an objective of promoting environment friendly mechanism of recovery and disposal of wastes from electrical and electronic equipments. This directive restricts the use of six hazardous substances found in electrical and electronic products. Under RoHS, all electrical and electronic products destined for sale in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance, i.e., they must be free of six hazardous substances identified by the directive. RoHS directive does not apply to spare parts for the repair or reuse of EEE put on the market before 1^st Jul 2006.

Need For RoHS

Advancement in the electronics and associated segments since the invention of the first transistor in 1947 has been phenomenal. Today, we are surrounded by electronic gadgets which have become more or less the necessities of today’s lifestyle. Computers, TVs, embedded systems, etc. can be seen everywhere. In this phenomenal growth, one thing which has been neglected is the management of the wastes generated due to electrical and electronic equipments; the waste containing substances hazardous to human life.

E-waste is the term used for the electronic/electrical products which have completed their useful life. Management of these e-wastes has been a cause of concern around the world. The e-wastes contain lot of constituents harmful to human health. Lead used for soldering in printed circuit boards, glass panels and gaskets in computer monitors can cause damage to central and peripheral nervous systems, blood system and kidney. Chip resistors and semiconductor devices contain Cadmium which accumulates in kidney and liver and has toxic irreversible effects on human health. Relays and switches contain mercury which can contain chronic damage to the brain, respiratory and skin disorders. Cabling and computer housing contain plastics including PVC, the burning of which releases dioxin that can cause immune system damage and interfere with regulatory hormones. Plastic housing of electronic equipments and circuit boards contain Brominated flame retardants which disrupts endocrine system functions. Hexavalent chromium used for plating cause Asthmatic bronchitis and DNA damage. Improper disposal of these wastes can allow these hazardous substances to seep into air, soil and ground water causing acute problems to human life.

With an objective to counter the ill-effects of the e-wastes, several countries pressed upon the need to address the problems and challenges posed by hazardous electronic wastes. European Union issued a directive, known as RoHS – Restriction of Hazardous Substances to restrict the use of the substances in the electrical and electronic equipments. Following EU RoHS, other countries have also issued directives to handle management of the e-wastes.