EU cracks down on use of hazardous chemicals in products

The EU is to crack down on the use of heavy metals and dangerous chemicals in the use of electronic products and spare parts with a new directive.

Thousands of electronic devices are now to face tighter laws governing the use of hazardous substances, following the European Commission's decision today to formally adopt an extension to the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

The new extension forces electronics manufacturers to significantly improve the design of their products by gradually diminishing the use of dangerous metals and chemicals which have been widely blamed for pollution and damaged health.

EU environment commissioner Janez Poto?nik said: "Where there are alternatives available it is not acceptable to expose people or the planet to dangerous substances. We all come into daily contact with products and these new rules increase further the level of safety we can expect."

After being passed by the European Parliament and the European Council, member countries have 18 months to pass the directive into law.ADNFCR-3406-ID-800632019-ADNFCR

Article courtesy of Aviva PLC. Published 25-07-11


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