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.

I riciclatori rischiano l'esposizione a cadmio e piombo, sostanze chimiche utilizzate nei vecchi tubi catodici (CRT) presenti nei monitor di computer e televisori, che rilasciano fumi tossici durante i processi di incenerimento, frantumazione e fusione. I tubi catodici nelle discariche non gestite possono rilasciare queste sostanze chimiche nel suolo e nell'acqua, creando un rischio di esposizione tossica per l'uomo, gli animali e le piante. Allo stesso modo, sostanze chimiche come il cromo esavalente, un inibitore della corrosione sulle schede dei circuiti, e il mercurio possono causare danni ai reni e al fegato, oltre a compromettere lo sviluppo del cervello e del sistema nervoso. Infine, le plastiche prodotte con cloro e fluoro rilasciano diossine e furani quando vengono bruciate come parte dello smaltimento; le sostanze chimiche bioaccumulabili possono causare cancro, problemi riproduttivi e di sviluppo e alterare l'equilibrio ormonale.

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.