This article is provided by BRC Associate Member and Partner, UL Solutions.

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Electrical and electronic product manufacturers are required to make sure the products they develop meet chemical safety requirements for users. While most of these articles on the market conform to regulations, others are recalled each year due to specific chemical safety concerns. UL Solutions experts provide insights on key hazardous substances identified in products recalled in 2023 on the European market.

Common chemical safety risks associated with electrical and electronic products in the EU

The most common chemicals that have been found in electrical and electronic products recalled on the EU market in 2023 are:

• Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)
• Phthalates
• Heavy metals
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Brominated flame retardants

Where can you find these substances in electrical and electronic products?

SCCPs are primarily used in metalworking applications and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing. SCCPs are also used as plasticizers and flame retardants in a variety of applications, including paints, adhesives and polymeric materials. Historically, SCCPs have been used as lubricants and coolants in metalworking fluids (MWF). In general, lubricants that are chlorinated paraffins or that contain chlorinated paraffin additives are designed to lubricate parts that experience extreme pressures and are used in deep drawing, tube bending and cold heading. The transition away from using SCCPs, and chlorinated paraffin in general, in metalworking applications has included the development of alternatives and alternative processes.

Ortho-phthalates are common plasticizers generally incorporated into materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to enhance their flexibility and durability. The phthalates typically used in PVC include bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP). However, other phthalates, such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diethyl phthalate, may also be found in PVC. DEHP was historically the most used phthalate for plasticizing PVC, but in 2015, it was banned in most European product applications due to concerns over its endocrine-disrupting potential. Plasticized PVC forms the coatings on wires and various plastic parts in electronic devices in the electronics industry. Additional products that may contain phthalates include adhesives, sealants, paints, rubber materials, wires and cables, medical devices, and sports equipment.

Heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel and hexavalent chromium are essential in most electronic devices due to their high electrical conductivity and durability. However, innovative companies are always looking for safer alternatives. Here are some typical examples:

• Cadmium – Used in rechargeable computer batteries, contacts and switches
• Mercury – Used in the liquid crystal displays (LCDs) of mobile phones and flat-screen computer monitors, as well as in switches, batteries and fluorescent lamps
• Lead – Used in the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) found in computer and TV screens
• Hexavalent chromium – Used in the production of various metal housings
• Nickel – Used in some mobile phones’ circuit boards and soldering
• Lead and cadmium – Used in the rechargeable batteries in game consoles and electric toys
  
  

PAHs may originate from the following sources:

• Use of mineral oil- or coal-based extender/plasticizer oils in the production of rubber and plastics; oils may (unintentionally) contain different concentrations of PAHs and are added to materials to achieve the desired material properties
• Carbon black (CAS 1333-86-4 and EC number 215-609-9), which is intentionally added to elastomers to achieve the required properties of the material, e.g., color, flexibility, damping, solubility in the polymer matrix
  
  

Brominated flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are two groups of substances that are or have been used as flame retardants in plastic.

If you want to know more about why these substances are considered hazardous, the specific risks associated with them and the relevant European regulations or requirements, you can download this UL Solutions e-book.

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How Can UL Solutions help?

UL Solutions can help companies address compliance challenges and manage potential risks with different approaches. Whether businesses want to test their products and materials, review all materials disclosed in products, or combine both product testing and material analysis, UL Solutions can help.

UL Solutions works with customers to determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to demonstrate product compliance with the applicable chemical regulations in the major markets.

In addition to traditional testing, UL Solutions offers hybrid testing based on risk assessment for prioritization. A risk assessment systematically identifies and prioritizes materials and components based on their potential risk factors. This approach allows for a more strategic approach to testing by evaluating materials hazards, exposure potential, regulatory compliance status and optimizing resources. By prioritizing higher-risk materials, the hybrid model helps allocate testing resources more effectively, reducing costs associated with unnecessary testing.

Additionally, UL Solutions can help businesses establish a chemical data management approach that leverages powerful software and regulatory databases to access and manage compliance requirements.

Contact RCP@UL.com to learn more.