Halogen-Free Assembly Blog

By Tim Jensen

One of the common reasons for halogen elimination in electronics is based around the possibility that halogens can form dioxins when that halogenated product is burned. Dioxins are concidered to be likely carcinogens. During uncontrolled incineration, the dioxins can be breathed in by any person or animal in close proximity to the fire.

In a photograph published last year by National Geographic (shown here), you can see an indivdual in India buring the insulation off of copper wires in an open pit. Copper has value, but most companies won’t buy back copper with the insulation on them. Therefore, this individual has decided the easiest way is to just burn it off. The wires most likely have PVC coatings on the outside which does contain the halogen chlorine. By buring the halogenated wires, this person is putting his own life and others nearby at risk.

I can’t find the source right now, but it was documented that about 40% of dioxins in the air are a result of “backyard” or open pit burning of materials. My personal opinion is that we can eliminate the halogens to reduce dioxin formation, but does that really make these types of burning practices “safe?” I don’t think so…

First, I would like to give some key HD advice: When I bought my DLP TV two years ago, I didn’t think that I would need more than one HDMI port. If you buy one, make sure there are at least 3 HDMI inputs.

Since I am not ready to buy a new TV, I bought a Sony receiver that will accept 3 HDMI inputs and send them out of the receiver on a single line (to my TV). Now I can connect my cable box, DVD player, and computer to the TV. What I didn’t expect is that I would be helping the environment while doing this. Check out the top of the Sony receiver box. The PWB contains no halogenated materials.

As I crank up the volume on some Hollywood blockbuster, I can relax with my tub of popcorn knowing that the world is a better place because of my purchase. It was a difficult sacrifice, but one that I am glad I made!

This is the first I have seen halogen-free advertised on outer packaging of electronics.

In a CNN article today, it is reported that Ireland found “alarmingly high levels of dioxins” in their pork. Dioxins are a known carcinogen. One source of dioxin formation is the incineration certain halogenated printed circuit boards. This is the primary reason electronics companies are targeting halogen-free for their products.

I am willing to bet that NGO’s (such as Greenpeace) will use this report as further ammunition as they push the electronics industry to eliminate using halogens such as Cl and Br. When the general media starts reporting on halogens and dioxins and increases the public awareness, it becomes difficult for electronics companies not to eliminate the halogens even if the halogenated compounds they are using are not capable of forming dioxin during incineration. Therefore, the more the public becomes aware of dioxins and how they relate to halogens, the more quickly our industry will need to seek to eliminate them.