Re: RoHS Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 2748

Fred wrote: 
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052748.htm

This bit of legislation contains the following "Interpretation" which I
assume is meant to be helpful!

"hazardous substance" means lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium,
polybrominated biphenyls or polybrominated diphenyl ethers in quantities
exceeding the maximum concentration value levels set out below-

     0.1% by weight in homogenous materials for lead;


RoHS is all about reducing certain substances in the environment and is
applicable to industrial and consumer electrical and electronic goods.  What
on earth is "homogeneous materials".  Is this the whole of the item as sold
over the counter or does it refer to something else?




AIUI, this is a problem with solder in electronics. The weight of lead and solder in a TV for example is minute so, as a whole, the TV would pass the 0.1% test easily.
However if the solder were taken on its own as a homogeneous alloy, the lead content might have been substantial (before lead-free solders were used), so while the TV passes, the solid solder would not.

So under EU law, I think the solder has to considered on its own, rather than being lumped with the weight of the TV or other equipment.


john2

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