Why Is EPA Working With the PWB Industry?
Printed wiring boards (PWBs), the underlying link between semiconductors, computer chips, and other electronic components, are an irreplaceable part of many high-tech products in the electronics, defense, communications, and automotive industries. The wet chemical processes used in PWB manufacturing, however, generate a significant amount of hazardous waste, require a substantial amount of water and energy, and use chemicals that pose potential environmental and health risks. In addition, the most commonly used PWB finishing technologies, hot air solder leveling (HASL) and electroplated tin-lead, pose potential health and environmental risks due to their use of lead. These processes also generate quantities of excess solder that must be recycled. The industry is committed to making pollution prevention a priority; however, many PWB manufacturers are small- to medium-sized businesses that cannot afford to develop independently the data needed to redesign their processes. EPA s Design fo
