The Lead Free InitiativeThe Lead Free Initiative

For many players in our industry, the time has come to implement lead-free processes. An understanding of the lead free initiative will help you integrate lead-free products and techniques into your workplace. The European Union has been driving the lead-free initiative. The EU directives have been established to regulate/limit certain hazardous materials that are used in manufacturing. The RoHS, (Restriction of (certain) Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electrical Equipment) are an attempt to remove lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr) and bromine (Br) from electronics products and waste. The electronic industry uses less than 0.5% of lead in the production of PCB’s and components while battery manufacturers consume 85% and have been exempted from the regulation. Effective July 2006, all electronic products imported to or exported from EU countries must meet the RoHS and WEEE standards.

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