Home | Testing Services | Technical Information | Consulting | Customer Services | Careers | Contact Us
 copy.gif)
►TOYS
 copy.gif)
HALOGEN
FREE AND BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS
Recent concerns
over use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have increased interest in
halogen-free electronics. However, BFRs are not the only source of halogens in
PCBs. Most PCB resins are epoxies and epoxy resins contain measurable levels of
chlorine. Additional halogens are added to PCB laminates through glass sizes,
wetting agents, curing agents and resin accelerators. It is important to
realize that even without use of BFRs, there may be finite levels of halogens
present as impurities in your product.
The
International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) defines halogen-free based on
chlorine and bromine levels.
IEC
61249-2-21: definition of halogen free
- 900 ppm maximum chlorine
- 900 ppm maximum bromine
- 1500 ppm maximum total halogens
THE MOST COMMONLY USED FLAME RETARDANTS IN ELECTRONICS
The most
commonly used flame retardants in electronics are Tetrabromobisphenol-A
(TBBPA) and Deca-Brominated
Diphenyl Ether(DecaBDE).
BFRs are used in electronics to save
lives and reduce property damage by preventing the spread of fire. BFRs are a
family of 75 chemical substances with different properties, characteristics,
and performance.
Tetrabromobisphenol-A
(TBBPA) is the produced flame retardants used in 95 percent of
printed circuit boards and computer chip casings. Deca-Brominated
Diphenyl Ether(DecaBDE) is used as a flame retardant in the housings
of computers as well as in other electrical and electronic applications,
particularly in TVs. Polybrominated
Biphenyls (PBBs) and Penta- and
Octa- Brominated Diphenyl Ethers (BDEs) are prohibited by major manufacturers
and as a result, they are rarely found in EEE (electrical and electronic
equipment) manufactured today.
REGULATIONS
AND LEGISLATION
There are no
bans or restrictions on the use of TBBPA or DecaBDE in EEE. However, other BFRs
are banned in the
In the
Under
the EU Restriction
on Hazardous Substances (RoHS), penta- and
octa-BDE were banned from electronics as of
The EU
Commission’s decaBDE exemption has been the source of much controversy,
particularly with the EU Parliament. The Parliament has strongly opposed the Commission’s
decision and has taken its case to the European Court of Justice to annul the
decaBDE exemption. The European Court of Justice has issued a ruling for this.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
Existing risk
assessments do not demonstrate a public health or environmental concern from
the most widely used flame retardants in electronic equipment, DecaBDE and
TBBPA.
BFRs are a
diverse family of 75 chemical substances with different properties,
characteristics, and performance. Certain flame retardants such as
polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and penta and octa-brominated flame retardants
have been found to pose environmental and health concerns and are rarely found
in electronic equipment manufactured today. However, the existing risk
assessments for BFRs TBBPA and DecaBDE, which are predominately used in EEE, do
not demonstrate a public health or environmental concern. TBBPA and DecaBDE,
which are effective flame retardants that save lives and reduce property damage
by preventing the spread of fire, are too often mistakenly associated with
PBBs, PentaBDE, and OctaBDE.
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs)
PBBs have been found to be persistent, bioaccumulative toxins and are
classified as possible carcinogens. However, most production of PBBs ceased in
the 1970s. Major manufacturers prohibit their use, and, as a result, PBBs are
rarely found in electronic equipment manufactured today.
Penta- and Octa- Brominated
Diphenyl Ethers (BDEs)
Penta- and Octa- BDEs are considered possible endocrine disruptors. The European
Union and the states of
Deca-Brominated Diphenyl Ethers
The EU recently conducted a risk assessment of DecaBDE and both the environment
and human risk assessment reports concluded that the chemical presents no
significant risk on these areas. Other studies (National Academy of Sciences,
World Health Organization) also found the risks posed by DecaBDE to be
insignificant. To address continuing concerns regarding DecaBDE
persistence and bioaccumulation, industry will be developing voluntary risk
reduction and monitoring strategies.
Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA)
The World Health Organization conducted a scientific assessment of TBBPA and
found that the risk for the general population is considered to be
insignificant. Six separate studies published between 1990 and 1997 support the
conclusion that the manufacture, use and disposal of information technology
devices containing TBBPA-flame retarded printed circuit boards do not increase
human dioxin exposure. The EU is currently conducting a risk assessment for
TBBPA In 2005, the risk assessment confirmed no health effects of concern for
TBBPA. The environmental risk assessment is pending finalization in mid 2007.
Preliminary results indicate no risk for TBBPA when used as a reactive, such as
in the epoxy resins of printed circuit boards. Technical experts confirmed a
risk for sediment and water when TBBPA is added to ABS plastics.
© 2008 Professional Testing & Consulting Ltd. All rights reserved.