On Thu, 10 Aug 2006 11:15:18 +0200, Oliver Betz <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Harvey Miller wrote:
>
>> Below is an abstract describing operations of a major lead recycler.
>
>as far as I see, recycling lead _is_ unsafe if done as awkward as in
>some facilities in China and India - look at the Exeter study etc.
>
>When done "correctly", it seems to be safe to recycle SnPb solder.
>
>It seems that some people thought that the best way to protect the
>people working under these horrible conditions is to use LF solder.
>
>I do not think so. Maybe I'm too naive, but I would try better to
>improve the recycling methods.
>

I think that's precisely why this aspect of the RoHS directive was so
backwards. If a proper analysis had been done early on it might have been
quite clear that comparable results could be achieved for a tiny fraction of
the cost had the onus been put on recycling firms to use proper processes
and technologies vs. the far more costly action of disallowing Pb in solder.

That said, the EU clearly has no say in regulating recycling in India or
China; that is the sole responsibility of those countries' governments (but
they can, and do, give advice to foreign governments including at least
China and those in North America regarding environmental regulation). So if
the EU was trying to solve an international problem with the RoHS directive
that's news.

Mike

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