Warning over lead-free Directive.(Developments across the industry)(Brief Article)

Medical device manufacturers are being warned that disregarding the new European lead-flee Directive is short-sighted and could reduce their ability to service customers. The Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive comes into force on 1 July 2006 and bans lead and five other substances from use in electronic devices and equipment. Some industry sectors have been exempt. However, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is cautioning companies that believe they are exempt. These include suppliers of life-critical products, exempted because changes to the materials could