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.
재활용업체는 컴퓨터와 텔레비전 모니터에서 발견되는 오래된 음극선관(CRT)에 사용된 화학물질인 카드뮴과 납에 노출될 위험이 있으며, 소각, 분쇄, 제련 과정에서 유독 가스를 방출합니다. 관리되지 않은 매립지에 있는 CRT는 이러한 화학물질이 토양과 수질로 침출되어 사람, 동물, 식물에 독성 노출 위험을 초래할 수 있습니다. 마찬가지로 회로 기판의 부식 억제제인 6가 크롬과 수은과 같은 화학 물질은 신장과 간 손상을 유발할 수 있으며 뇌와 신경계 발달에 장애를 일으킬 수 있습니다. 마지막으로 염소와 불소로 만든 플라스틱은 폐기 시 소각할 때 다이옥신과 퓨란을 방출하며, 생체 축적 화학물질은 암, 생식 및 발달 문제를 일으키고 호르몬 균형에 변화를 일으킬 수 있습니다.
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.
