Concerns about the chemicals used in electronic products are related to the potential exposure risks throughout the product’s lifecycle. Heavy metals and hazardous chemicals contained in electronic products not only pose a risk to workers in the manufacturing process, but they can also create exposure risks for end-users and recyclers, as well as environmental contamination of our air, soil, and water at the end of their life if they are not properly disposed of. Workers involved in the manufacturing of electronic products can risk exposure to chemicals like beryllium, frequently used in battery contacts, and electronic connectors, which is a known carcinogen whose fumes and airborne particles pose lung cancer and other health risks. Both workers and end-users of electronics risk exposure to chlorinated and brominated flame retardants, substances used to inhibit the spread of fire in indoor products. These chemicals are highly persistent and bioaccumulative and are not only found in electronic products but also in other everyday products. They can migrate out of consumer materials and contaminate the indoor dust found in our homes, cars, and offices. Exposure can lead to impaired brain functioning and can interfere with hormonal systems.

Recycler riskieren eine Exposition gegenüber Cadmium und Blei. Diese Chemikalien wurden in alten Kathodenstrahlröhren (CRT) verwendet, die in Computer- und Fernsehbildschirmen zu finden sind und bei Verbrennungs-, Zerkleinerungs- und Schmelzprozessen giftige Dämpfe freisetzen. CRTs, die auf unkontrollierten Deponien gelagert werden, können diese Chemikalien in unseren Boden und unser Wasser auslaugen, was ein toxisches Risiko für Menschen, Tiere und Pflanzen darstellt. Ebenso können Chemikalien wie sechswertiges Chrom, ein Korrosionsschutzmittel für Leiterplatten, und Quecksilber Nieren- und Leberschäden sowie eine Beeinträchtigung der Entwicklung des Gehirns und des Nervensystems verursachen. Schließlich setzen chlor- und fluorhaltige Kunststoffe Dioxine und Furane frei, wenn sie im Rahmen der Entsorgung verbrannt werden, und bioakkumulierbare Chemikalien können Krebs, Fortpflanzungs- und Entwicklungsstörungen verursachen und den Hormonhaushalt verändern.

Through advances in technical specifications and environmental awareness, alternative chemicals have and continue to be created for use throughout the electronic product lifecycle. CRT televisions are no longer manufactured, and the use of mercury-free light-emitting diodes have become the norm in the production of flat panel displays. Because of regulations like the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, and purchasers’ use of the EPEAT ecolabel, the industry is identifying and implementing safer alternatives to chemicals of concern.