Guidance document on substances under special attention

Abstract

The electronics industry in Europe has made concerted efforts in close cooperation with the chemical industry to shed more light on the use and assessment of hazardous substances posing a potential risk to the human species and the environment. The joint working group C4E (chemical industry, electronics industry and Eurometaux) has played a vital role in this campaign. A guidance document prepared by C4E will open an informed dialogue on various substances used in electronics products. This document includes a compilation of scientific data and the feed back from NGO's and other interested parties (e.g., consumer organizations). An assessment of liquid crystal displays (LCD) included in the paper demonstrates the usefulness of the guidance document's approach.