ChemSec short films: Why RoHS should Restrict Brominated Flame Retardants and PVC
18 May 2010
ChemSec today presents three short films in the context of the review of the EU RoHS directive.
The three short films highlight the arguments for a restriction on brominated flame retardants and PVC in RoHS - the human health and environmental concerns with using brominated flame retardants and PVC in electronics, the fact that there are safe alternatives to these problematic substances and that there are already numerous electronic products on the market free from brominated flame retardants and PVC.
In a couple of weeks the European Parliament Environment Committee will vote on the proposal for a new RoHS directive. The ChemSec short films have today been sent to the Members of the European Parliament Environment Committee.
Short film 1 Summary: Why RoHS should Restrict Brominated Flame Retardants and PVC
This introduction summarises the arguments for a stronger RoHS - the human health and environmental concerns with using brominated flame retardants and PVC in electronics, the fact that there are safe alternatives to these problematic substances and that there are already numerous of electronic products on the market free from brominated flame retardants and PVC. Director: Maria Eng, Påeng film. Illustrations and animations: Christofer Ahde.
Short film 2 In-depth: Problems with Brominated Flame Retardants and PVC
This second short film takes a closer look at the problems with using brominated flame retardants and PVC in electronics, among other things stressing that brominated flame retardants and PVC can transform into dioxins and furans, which for example can cause cancer. This film also the emphasises the growing problem with electronic waste and highlights the risks with only restricting individual brominated flame retardants instead of the whole group. Director: Maria Eng, Påeng film. Illustrations and animations: Christofer Ahde.
Short film 3 In-depth: Electronics Industry Already Moving Away from Brominated Flame Retardants and PVC
A transition within industry is possible and already happening. This third short film gives numerous of examples of electronic companies already offering products without brominated flame retardants and PVC. It also highlights that there are alternatives to brominated flame retardants and PVC that are safe, less hazardous and with high technical performance - many of them produced in the EU. Director: Maria Eng, Påeng film. Illustrations and animations: Christofer Ahde.
