High levels of lead in consumer electronics and toys

One out of five consumer electronic products contains excessive levels of lead, according to an analysis made by the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI).
Test results show that 17 out of 79 electrical toys, 8 out of 29 consumer electronic products and 2 out of 21 lamps contain too high levels of lead. 22 per cent of the tested articles did not comply with the rules.
The Swedish companies responsible for the import of these products have been reported to the police.
The project is part of a larger EU project that aims to check whether the rules of the RoHS Directive are followed. The result of the project will be published in 2011.
Lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium and the flame retardants PBDE and PBB are not allowed in electrical and electronic products at levels above 0.1 per cent. Cadmium may not be present in concentrations above 0.01 per cent. However, there are parts and materials in certain products that are exempt from the prohibitions.
The rules came into force in 2006 but the results show that compliance with the regulations can still be improved. The content of lead is primarily an environmental problem when handling the waste, but it can also pose health risks for consumers and those working in the manufacturing industry and in waste management.
Facts about the Swedish analysis
79 electrical and electronic toys, 29 other consumer electronic products and 21 lamps were analysed. The products were purchased in toy stores and consumer electronic stores and selected components were analysed with an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument. The elements of the screening analysis that were found to contain banned substances were sent to a laboratory for confirmation of the results.