Many in the industry have spent a considerable portion of the last few years preparing the industry for the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive deadline. As of July 1, 2006 the law is now in effect, and we turn from the preparation phase into the surveillance and enforcement stage.
Overview Small amounts of lead (Pb) and other hazardous materials exist in many electronic components, packaging and circuit boards. As these products reach end-of-life and are disposed, environmental and regulatory concerns have risen due to the potential impact of human health concerns.