European Union : FAQ

The following 6 substances are banned:
Lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenylethers(PBDE
These substances are used in Electrical and Electronic Equipment:

- Mercury: in thermostats, sensors, relays in switches and discharge lamps.

- Lead: solder in printed circuit boards, glass in cathode-ray tubes and electric light bulbs.

- Cadmium: switches, springs, connectors, housings and printed circuit boards. (see below for more details)

- Hexavalent chromium: Metal coatings for corrosion protection.

- Polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers: flame retardants in printed circuit boards, connectors and plastic covers.

Cadmium is used by industry for numerous applications :

- as an anti-binding agent (cadmium-plated parts have good lubricity);

- as an anti-corrosive agent (particularly to protect connectors and fixings in conditions where electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a critical issue;

- as pigments and stabilisers in paints and plastics;

- as solders.