The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced a series of public consultations on the renewal of exemptions for certain hazardous substances under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) regulations. These consultations, which are critical in shaping future policies, are open to stakeholders until 11:45 pm on 10 May 2024, and cover four distinct exemptions applicable across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Exemption 1: Lead in Sun Tanning Lamps
The first consultation seeks feedback on the continuation of using lead as an activator in the fluorescent powder of discharge lamps for cosmetic sun tanning. These lamps are designed to simulate sunlight exposure, with lead being a crucial component in achieving the required UV spectrum. The proposed exemption, intended to last for five years, could introduce approximately 26.95 kg of lead annually into the market. Stakeholders are invited to discuss alternatives, substitutes, and the practical implications of such exemptions on end-users.
Exemption 2: Cadmium Anodes in Hersch Cells
Another significant exemption under review is for the use of cadmium anodes in Hersch cells for oxygen sensors within industrial monitoring and control instruments. These sensors are pivotal in detecting extremely low levels of oxygen to maintain product integrity in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food packaging. With a proposed duration of seven years, the exemption is expected to introduce 0.224 kg of cadmium annually into the UK market. The consultation seeks input on the impracticability of eliminating or substituting cadmium while maintaining current technical performance.
Exemption 3: Lead and Cadmium in Glass Frit Binder for Gas Lasers
Defra is also reconsidering the exemption for the use of lead and cadmium in glass frit binders for assembling gas lasers. This exemption is crucial for connecting borosilicate glass to metal pieces in precision lasers, with an expected introduction of 1.4kg of lead to the GB market annually if renewed for seven years. Participants are encouraged to evaluate the necessity of these materials and the feasibility of finding effective substitutes.
Exemption 4: Lead and Cadmium in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Lamps
The fourth consultation addresses the use of lead and cadmium in atomic absorption spectroscopy lamps. These lamps are essential in line source atomic absorption spectroscopy (LS-AAS), a method used for precise measurement of specific elements in samples across various industries. The exemption, aiming for a seven-year renewal, would result in the introduction of 189g of cadmium, 627g of lead, and 0.1g of mercury annually into the market. Stakeholders are asked to consider the technical challenges of replacing these hazardous substances while maintaining the efficacy of LS-AAS.
These consultations represent a crucial step in the ongoing effort to ensure the responsible use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. By gathering insights from environmental professionals, retail and manufacturing industries, and the wider public, Defra aims to strike a balance between technological advancement and environmental protection.
