EEB Position

RoHS

The EEB calls for MEPs to amend the European Commission proposal for a revised RoHS Directive to:

  • Provide a coherent framework to include all EEE;
  • Restrict by 2014 hazardous substances and materials in EEE that cause serious concern throughout their lifecycle (production, use, disposal) and hamper recyclability, such as halogenated organic substances, to a maximum of 0,1% (weight by weight);
  • Restrict by 2014 the use of nano silver to the detection limit in homogenous EEE parts;
  • Ensure a specific methodology for future substance restrictions focusing on end of life considerations which are in line with the specific aims of the RoHS Directive.

The NGOs' joint position paper on the review of the RoHS directive is available here.

In particular the EEB calls on the institutions to extend the list of Annex IV prohibited substances to include brominated and chlorinated organic substances, in particular in order to phase out halogenated flame retardants and PVC, for which safer and environmentally friendlier alternatives already exist on the market. Also we call on precaution in relation to emerging use of nano-silver in EEE, that poses serious health and environmental risks.

See also:
CHEMSEC/CPA Greening Electronics report

Fact sheet (Chemsec) on Concerns with Bromine and Chlorine

Fact sheet (Chemsec) on benefits for testing methods on elemental approach

Fact sheet (Chemsec) on Alternatives to Brominated and Chlorinated Flame retardants

Studies (Chemsec) on Alternatives to Brominated and Chlorinated substances

Greenpeace study "Toxic Transformers: A review of the hazards of brominated & chlorinated substances in EEE"

(New evidence on problems caused by halogenated substances to be found in EEE)

Greenpeace Research Lab technical document: "Mixed halogenated dioxins and furans"

(Emerging risks from new group of mixed halogenated dioxins/furans)

Guide to Greener Electronics Guide (vers. 14;  December 2009)

http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/international/press/reports/guide-to-greener-electronics-14-edition.pdf

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