The topic of halogen-free electronics was discussed extensively in the
Leadfree forum in August and September 2003, beginning with a comment by
Brian Ellis. Go to the archives
(http://listserv.ipc.org/scripts/wa.exe?A2=ind0308&L=leadfree&T=0&F=&S=&
P=13433) and look for topic 39, "WEEE/RoHS clarification required", the
posting of 21 August, and my reply under topic 35, "Suffering from
improper combustion". It was brought out that the IPC had declared
halogen-free electronics to be marketing, not science or public health,
and that if the concern is creation of dioxins by improperly controlled
incineration, the proposed fix was neither necessary nor sufficient.

The exchange continued under various thread titles but all with the
theme of "precautionary principle", which had been invoked as a basis
for restricting brominated flame retardants.

Gordon Davy 
Baltimore, MD 
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410-993-7399