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.

Os recicladores correm o risco de exposição ao cádmio e ao chumbo, químicos que foram utilizados em antigos tubos de raios catódicos (CRT) encontrados em monitores de computador e de televisão, libertando fumos tóxicos durante os processos de incineração, trituração e fundição. Os CRT em aterros não geridos podem lixiviar estes químicos para o nosso solo e água, criando um risco de exposição tóxica para os seres humanos, animais e plantas. Da mesma forma, produtos químicos como o crómio hexavalente, um inibidor de corrosão em placas de circuitos, e o mercúrio, podem causar danos nos rins e no fígado, bem como prejudicar o desenvolvimento do cérebro e do sistema nervoso. Por último, os plásticos fabricados com cloro e flúor libertam dioxinas e furanos quando queimados como parte da eliminação; e os produtos químicos bioacumulativos podem causar cancro, problemas reprodutivos e de desenvolvimento e alterar o equilíbrio hormonal.

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.