The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) regulation derives from the European community joint efforts to regulate and restrict the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products to protect the environment and human health.

The directive adopted on July 1 of 2006 has undergone updates until the most recent RoHS 3 – directive 2015/863 – where was established that all electrical or electronic products, manufactured or distributed within the European community, should not exceed the maximum concentration for each substance on the table below:

 

Restricted Substance Maximum Level allowed
Cadmium (Cd):  < 100 ppm     (0.01%)
Lead (Pb):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Mercury (Hg):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP):  < 1000 ppm   (0.1%)

Last update July 22nd, 2021.

 

The substances above can be carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic and bio accumulative for the human body. In addition, they can produce highly toxic transformation products when mixed with other components during disposal or recycling.

Electrical products that are in contact with food and beverages should comply with the RoHS directive. Not only because people will consume the items inside but also because they can be in use daily. Microwaves, refrigerators, blenders are examples of appliances where silicone gaskets should comply with RoHS.

Similarly, electrical appliances in constant contact with water for example, washing machines or heaters, should not introduce harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury or cadmium into pipes or drainage systems to avoid contamination of water sources and other negative impacts on the environment. In those cases, silicone tubing and door gaskets should also comply with RoHS.

The silicone products manufactured at Jehbco have countless applications within the electrical and electronic industry, most recently providing the manufacture of medical devices and electrical appliances with silicone gaskets, washers and membranes. That is why Jehbco remains in constant communication with raw material suppliers who provide the company with the RoHS declarations and the corresponding raw materials composition.

Whether they contain RoHS, limited or prohibited substances, Jehbco identifies the current requirements of the applicable regulations and will be happy to provide their customers with the necessary declarations.

 

References

https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/waste-and-recycling/rohs-directive_en

https://www.env-health.org/IMG/pdf/Joint_NGO_Position_RoHS.pdf

https://rohsguide.com/rohs-substances.htm