Wednesday 18 January 2017

Significance of Halogen-free Printed Circuit Boards in Real World

A Printed Circuit Board, also referred to as Printed Wiring Board is an important cog of electronic equipments which is comprised of thin strips of a conducting material for instance “copper”. The PCBs are developed by deploying and utilizing many compounds as well as elements for a variety of purposes.

What Led to Halogen-free Formula?

During the initial days of PCB development, certain toxic compounds were used in its making for utilizing the specific, useful feature of that element or as a cost-saving aspect of manufacturing. To overcome this threat the skilled souls evolved the formula of “Halogen-free PCB” which are devoid of any toxic elements and have the power to serve the similar purpose without posing any threat to the universe.

Now let’s learn how the elements of Halogen family can cause a serious threat to the world, and how halogen-free PCB holds its worth in the advanced, real world.



Read Also: Printed Circuit Board –Its Composition, Functions and Applications!

PCBS That Comprise Halogen 

Common compounds that are taken under use into the process of PCB development –belong to the family of Halogen elements. These elements are Chlorine, Flourine, Bromine, Iodine and Astatine etc. The composition of PCB using all such elements provides certain benefits to the electronics that use it; however, they are quite harmful to human life in one way or another.

With the development of the world and humanity, an increased awareness of the threats through those materials and elements was found which lead manufacturers seek substitute methods and find new materials that don’t pose a threat to humans working with such devices.

How Are Halogen Elements Harmful?

While the debate on the toxicity of halogens within PCB development continues, there are two chief elements which compose the general consensus of a halogen-free circuit board –chlorine and bromine respectively. Each accomplishes a specific purpose in the overall functionality of electronics but also pose a threat to the continuity of life for humans, animals and nature.

Chlorine: Continued exposure and dangerous concentrations of chlorine can cause cruel complications such as pulmonary edema, consistent fluid in the lungs, and developing asthma in kids and preschoolers. Chlorine is that toxic element that can be a threat to human life, and can cause severe damage to an eco-system.

Bromine: Being another component used in the making of Printed Circuit Board, bromine can cause kidney failure as well as brain damage due to systemic poisoning. Moreover, sustained exposure to bromine can result in the drop of blood pressure to intolerable levels for internal organs, assisting in overall physical dysfunction. For those that continuously breathe in bromine, there are chances of long-term lung diseases up to varying degrees.

Halogen-free PCB

As halogen and its constitutes pose a threat to the world, halogen free PCBs would be an ideal solution for not only one but many problems and threats. The toxicity that is created from the elements of halogen family (such as chlorine & bromine) could put individuals and eco-systems in great jeopardy. Apart from precious metals such as copper, aluminum etc, choosing a halogen-free product in manufacturing PCBS can keep the developers, future technicians and individuals safer from experiencing health complications due to considerable exposure.

Halogen-free PCBs are the specialty of certain advanced Printed Circuit Board services which think not only of the technology and electronics, but also of the humans, nature and the world.