The Future of Home Appliances and Electronics Begins With Safety

Over the years, consumers have become increasingly vigilant in ensuring the safety of their home appliances and electronics for their families. Thanks to this proactive approach to safety awareness, we are starting to see governments enact strict regulations, as well.

Starting with the 1978 ban of lead-based paints for residential use in the United States, the European Union is continuing to push for safer households by enforcing the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS). Through this, the EU aims to eliminate the use of 6 harmful substances in home-appliances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).

Lead

Lead has been used throughout history due to its extreme versatility. Even in modern times, lead has seen use in everything from paints to solder.

Lead, however, is a deadly neurotoxin that can lead to a number of brain and blood disorders. It is particularly damaging to nerve connections in children.

Mercury

A heavy metal like lead, mercury is used in various devices such as thermometers and blood pressure monitors.

Even more so than lead, mercury is extremely toxic, causing nervous system damage even at low concentrations.

Cadmium

Cadmium is a soft metal commonly used by manufacturers in colorants and metal plating.

While varied in its uses, Cadmium is classified as a Group I carcinogen, and can cause a number of serious physical ailments from the loss of consciousness to cancer, and can even lead to death.

Hexavalent Chromium

Hexavalent chromium is used for a variety of purposes, including the production of stainless steel and for tanning leather. It is a chemical compound recognized as a carcinogen via inhalation, and workers handling the substance are especially prone to lung cancer.

Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE)

PBB and PBDE were once widely used as commercial flame retardants in plastics, but it was later discovered that both compounds were the cause of several physical ailments ranging from acne to nervous and immune system disorders. Calls to restrict the use of PBB and PBDE in recent years have been increasing.

At Panasonic, we make the development of safe products our TOP PRIORITY

We have already met the strict standards outlined by the RoHS Directive, and now we are looking to even further enhance our products to protect the environment.

Despite the proven convenience of using these restricted substances in manufacturing, Panasonic is committed to breaking new ground and finding advanced alternatives that minimize the environmental impact of our products.

Panasonic achieved compliance with RoHS standards by October 2005, almost one complete year before the actual RoHS compliance deadline, and we are excited to be the first home appliance and electronics manufacturer to have produced a lead and mercury free Plasma display panel. Panasonic will continue to adhere to the RoHS Directive, and look for new ways to develop even safer products.