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 [log in to unmask] 410-993-7399