Hazardous chemicals in electronics

Read more

Chemicals are essential to many household and industrial activities, but they also pose threats to humans, wildlife, and ecosystem health. The World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) in called for developing &#;a strategic approach to international chemicals management&#; by , and set a target to minimize the significant adverse effects of chemicals on human health and the environment.

Since then, the international community has taken some important steps, adopting multilateral agreements on prior informed consent (PIC), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and mercury, as well as continuing prior work on the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. An overarching policy process, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), was established in Dubai in . While some progress has been made, the ambition for an overall strong post- regime on chemicals and waste has not yet been achieved.

To support negotiations toward a post- regime, in , the fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) called for review of evidence published within the previous decade (Resolution 4/8) to support further discussion at UNEA-5 and other international forums working toward sound management of chemicals and waste. Following on from this, in , the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) published a major report titled, &#;An Assessment on Issues of Concern: Chemicals and Waste Issues Posing Risks to Human Health and the Environment.&#; The report highlights challenges and opportunities for sound chemicals management, and proposes policy and management options.

This policy brief provides a summary and perspective on that report, in light of the most recent developments on chemicals and waste.

The eight issues identified under SAICM

The Dubai Declaration and Overarching Policy Strategy called for the SAICM process to identify &#;emerging policy issues&#; (EPIs), based on specified criteria that include the magnitude and impacts of the problems, their cross-cutting nature, and the status of knowledge and action around those issues, with the aim to avoid duplication of efforts. To date, the SAICM process has identified six EPIs, namely:

• chemicals in products;
• endocrine disrupting chemicals;
• environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants;
• hazardous substances within the life cycle of electrical and electronic products;
• lead in paint; and
• nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials.

Two other &#;issues of concern&#; have also been highlighted for action:

• highly hazardous pesticides; and
• per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

This section provides a summary of these issues, as reflected in the UNEP report.

Chemicals in products (CIP), including those used in many consumer items, are not always listed on labels. The CIP programme, launched by UNEP, SAICM, and the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) in , promotes information exchange about chemicals of concern so that all users can make informed choices. That includes not only the companies within the product supply chain, but also others, such as designers, consumers, waste managers, and users. This is truly a global challenge because product life cycles often span different countries &#; they are made in one country, used in another, and finally recycled or disposed in yet another.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect the characteristics of sexual organs and reproduction in humans and animals. More than 1,400 chemicals in pesticides, biocides, industrial chemicals, cosmetics and drinking water are thought to be EDCs, but only a small number have been screened by regulators. The report suggests that including EDCs in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals &#; a system for the classification of chemicals with the use of internationally consistent labels, safety data sheets, and easily understandable symbols &#; would help countries regulate EDCs in a coordinated manner.

Environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants (EPPPs) include drugs used to treat people and livestock, which cause ill effects when released into the environment. The impacts include antimicrobial resistance, which is linked to the rise of &#;superbugs.&#; Action on this issue would mean that countries strengthen their own regulatory and voluntary frameworks to avoid improper prescription and overuse of antibiotics, and organize take-back and sound disposal of unused or expired drugs. The report calls for conducting risk assessment of drugs &#; especially those that were licensed before environmental risk assessment systems were put in place &#; based on criteria such as sales data, ecotoxicity, and efficiency of wastewater treatment to counter their impacts.

Hazardous substances in the life cycle of electrical and electronic products (HSLEEP) contain heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Actions to reduce the impacts of HSLEEP would include changes to the design and composition of products to minimize the use of hazardous substances, and management of recycling methods to avoid releases of chemicals into the environment. As noted in the report, this is a major issue for many developing countries and economies in transition (EITs), where informal recycling methods expose women and children who work in those industries.

Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) are those that cause severe and irreversible harm to human health, the environment, and sustainability of agriculture. While the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have developed codes of conduct and management guidelines, implementation is often patchy. Capacity building, information sharing about pesticide use, toxicity, and exposure, and steps toward non-chemical alternatives are all needed. For example, agroecology techniques and integrated pest management would help reduce risk. FAO is currently in the process of drafting a Global Action Plan on Highly Hazardous Pesticides to reduce and manage HHP use.

Lead in paint is a neurotoxin, especially dangerous to children. The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint (GAELP), initiated as an international partnership in , aims to have all countries adopt legally binding measures to control the production, import, sale, and use of lead paints. As of December , just 43% of countries had done so. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is helping 40 countries to introduce legislation, and also works with some paint manufacturers to phase out the use of lead paint. In a number of countries that already have laws restricting lead paint, measures for effective monitoring and enforcement are still needed, according to the report.

Nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials (nanomaterials), while composed of known chemicals, may pose new threats. For example, the effects of inadvertently inhaling or ingesting nanomaterials are often unknown. Vehicle tires are one example of a common product containing nanomaterials that may be released into the environment during use, recycling, and disposal. In the EU and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, some information-sharing mechanisms and voluntary partnerships have begun, including the Malta Initiative that supports OECD guidance and testing development for nanomaterials. The report recommends that a common definition of nanomaterials be adopted.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are manufactured chemicals containing linked carbon and fluorine atoms. Products containing PFASs include many that resist oil and water, such as rainwear, non-stick cookware, and carpets. Being present in many household products, they pose a high exposure risk. PFASs may have negative impacts on immune system function and cognitive function in children, and are linked to type 2 diabetes in women. Long-chain PFASs are listed under the Stockholm Convention on POPs. A phased approach to ending the use of PFASs except for &#;essential use&#; purposes is needed, according to the report.

The eleven other issues of concern identified in GCO-II

In , UNEA requested UNEP to provide an update on EPIs and other issues &#;where emerging evidence indicates a risk to human health and the environment&#; (Resolution 2/7). UNEP published a report titled, &#;Global Chemicals Outlook II: From Legacies to Innovative Solutions&#; (GCO-II), in April . GCO-II identified 11 &#;other issues&#; of concern that pose risks to people and the environment, drawing on assessments done by governments or intergovernmental organizations. They are:

• arsenic, a heavy metal;
• bisphenol A (BPA), used, for example, in durable plastics for water bottles and protective coatings on vehicles and machinery;
• cadmium, used in batteries and solar cells;
• glyphosate, a weedkiller;
• lead, a heavy metal which, besides its usage in paint (addressed above), is also in batteries, ceramics, and other items;
• intentionally added microplastics in products, such as the &#;microbeads&#; in some detergents and facial cleansers;
• neonicotinoids, pesticides that affect the nervous system of insects;
• organotins, used as biocides in products such as anti-fouling paint for marine vessels;
• phthalates, used in solvents and plasticizers to improve the flexibility of plastic items;
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), found in smoked meats, mothballs, and other consumer goods; and
• triclosan, an antiseptic used in personal care products.

Many of these chemicals are classified as potential carcinogens and have other adverse health impacts in humans and animals. Some pose the risk of bio-accumulation as concentrations in the body tend to increase over time. Many are transported across the globe through water, soil, and atmospheric systems, thus posing transboundary issues that no single country can manage on its own. Clean-up from the environment is difficult or unfeasible; therefore, the UNEP report calls for addressing risks at every stage of the product life cycle, from design through to usage, recycling, and disposal.

As noted in the report, regulating, and reducing the use of chemicals with the most troubling impacts will also have many benefits. For example, more than half the world&#;s usage of glyphosate is for crops that have been genetically engineered to tolerate this weedkiller. Reducing and eliminating the use of glyphosate would encourage better agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and integrated pest management. Managing the risks would help avoid intergenerational impacts, for example, for low-income populations that are thought to be more exposed to phthalates in cheap building and household materials such as vinyl, food wrappers, and takeaway containers.

Mutually supportive processes and frameworks

Section 5 of the UNEP report presents a &#;thought starter&#; on avenues and means of future work, highlighting, among many different possibilities, the following:

• Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) allow for addition of new issues of concern to come under their purview. For example, the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes amended its annexes in , to bring plastic waste within its scope. Similarly, the Rotterdam Convention, which covers prior informed consent and information exchange regarding the movement of hazardous chemicals, the Stockholm Convention on POPs, the Minamata Convention on mercury, and the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances all may include listings of new chemical hazards as they become known.

• International reviews and risk assessments are conducted by multilateral organizations, including WHO, FAO, UNEP, and others. Additionally, the IOMC was established in to strengthen cooperation and increase coordination in the field of chemical safety. Besides the flagship GCO, UNEP also publishes the Global Waste Management Outlook. OECD&#;s work in establishing standard testing guidelines and protocols for good laboratory practice provides a foundation for implementation of sound chemicals management.

• The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM), the governing body for SAICM, will consider options for a post- framework for sound management of chemicals and waste when it convenes for its fifth meeting (ICCM-5) in September . Concurrently, negotiations are ongoing toward establishing a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. Such a panel would be a counterpart to existing science-policy panels, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). These processes are also relevant to achieving SDG 12 on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

According to an IOMC proposal to be considered within the SAICM process, a post- framework for integrated chemicals and waste management should include:

• developing basic national chemical management systems and capacities in all countries;
• integrating chemicals management in key industry sectors and product value chains; and
• integrating chemicals management with sustainable development issues and initiatives.

At an intersessional meeting of SAICM, which took place from 29 August to 2 September in Bucharest, Romania, delegates developed a draft of a single consolidated document for the future post- framework, to be fleshed out in subsequent intersessional meetings leading up to ICCM-5.

Looking ahead: Creating a strong framework for chemicals management

GCO-II found that global chemical production capacity of 2.3 billion tonnes in is set to double by . According to UNEP&#;s assessment of issues of concern, the existing multilateral regime, which addresses specific chemicals and chemical groups, leaves many gaps. Some substitutions for hazardous chemicals also turn out to be &#;regrettable substitutions&#; that have equally negative impacts. Rapid changes sparked by adoption of new technologies and the changing global environment are meanwhile posing new challenges.

A strong policy and programme framework on chemicals would include the ability to effectively track national and regional regulatory actions that signal emerging priorities, the UNEP report suggests. It would engage a wide range of stakeholders in the governance of chemical and waste management, beyond chemicals experts, such as law scholars, social scientists, and civil society organizations (CSOs) who would bring a sharper focus on social and environmental concerns relevant to chemicals management.

Ultimately, the sound management of chemicals will not take place in isolation from efforts to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. A strong policy and management regime to address pollution and waste must be part of the global quest for a sustainable planet.

 * * *

This document has been developed within the framework of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project ID: on Global Best Practices on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues of Concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). This project is funded by the GEF, implemented by UNEP, and executed by the SAICM Secretariat. The International Institute for Sustainable Development acknowledges the financial contribution of the GEF to the development of this policy brief.

This Policy Brief is the third in a series featuring cross-cutting topics relating to the sound management of chemicals and waste. It was written by Delia Paul, Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) team leader and writer. The series editor is Elena Kosolapova, Senior Policy Advisor, Tracking Progress Program, IISD.

Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Market Outlook ( to )

Rising use of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide as a specialized chemical for its low residue and high purity properties is driving its demand in several regions. The global electronic grade hydrogen peroxide (EGHP) market size is calculated to reach US$ 1.57 billion in and thereafter increase at a CAGR of 4.6% to climb to US$ 2.46 billion by .

Electronic grade hydrogen peroxide provides an effective cleaning solution for the manufacturing of semiconductors, ensuring optimal performance, and minimal contamination. Hydrogen peroxide of this grade is formulated to match stringent industry requirements, and effectively remove inorganic or organic impurities without leaving any harmful residues.

Several solution types are available in the global market, ranging from customized blends tailored to particular semiconductor fabrication procedures and standard concentrations of certain electronic grade hydrogen peroxide. These solutions are projected to have a significant impact on enhancing reliability, efficiency, and yield in semiconductor production.

• East Asia is projected to account for 24.6% share of the global market by .
• Demand for electronic grade hydrogen peroxide in Japan is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 3.3% from to .
• Worldwide sales of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide for photovoltaic manufacturing are approximated to rise at 4.3% CAGR and reach US$ 611.7 million by -end.

An integral role of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide in semiconductor manufacturing is driving its demand. Its consumption in etching and cleaning processes for enduring flawless microchip production is expected to offer remunerative opportunities for market players. Constant advancements in manufacturing techniques along with the increasing complexity of semiconductors are anticipated to generate demand for electronic grade hydrogen peroxide in the coming 10 years.

Various initiatives are being taken by market players for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to positively impact market dynamics. Improved yields, minimal residue, and precise material removal are some of the key advantages of using more effective electronic grade hydrogen peroxide. Further, they also help in matching stringent quality standards.

Report Attributes Details Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Market Size (E) US$ 1.57 Billion Forecasted Market Value (F) US$ 2.46 Billion Global Market Growth Rate ( to ) 4.6% CAGR Market Share of Oxidizing & Cleaning Agents (F) 69.2% South Korea Market Growth Rate ( to ) 5.9% CAGR North America Market Share (F) 10.1% Key Companies Profiled Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.; Arkema S.A.; Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd.; Changchun Group; Solvay SA; Evonik Industries; Santoku Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.; Grasim Industries

Don't Need a Global Report?

save 40%! on Country & Region specific reports

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Boyang.

Which Aspects are Shaping Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Market Growth?

&#;Rising Production of Electronics Driving Demand for EGHP&#;

Leading companies are focusing on increasing their market share by offering cutting-edge products at economic prices, with higher performance, effective product quality, and lower costs. More electronic manufacturers are investing to match the rising demand for thinner, cost-effective, and smaller electronic gadgets. Increasing requirements for electronic miniaturization into a printed circuit board at economic prices helps in the development of manufacturing facilities around the world.

&#;High Requirements for Etch and Clean ICs&#;

Requirements for integrated circuit (IC) process chemicals are attributed to the rising fab capacity and increasing silicon wafer surface area. The development of new technologies is projected to help in the continuation of this trend. The complexity of semiconductors is leading to an increase in the demand for effective cleaning and etching solutions.

Wet processing plays a vital role in the semiconductor procedure for the efficient cleaning of small tools and geometries. Hydrogen fluoride, EGHP, nitric acid, sulphuric acid, ultrapure water, and some other wet chemicals are pivotal in matching the required purity level by semiconductor makers.

In addition, an increased requirement for actuators, microcontrollers, sensors, and other semiconductor devices is attributed to the growing number of connected systems and devices. Therefore, a desire for high-purity products from future and improved technologies is driving demand for wet process chemicals, electronic grade hydrogen peroxide.

What is Hurting Demand Growth for Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide?

&#;Noxious Effects of EGHP Obstructing Growth Opportunities&#;

One of the key drawbacks of using electronic grade hydrogen peroxide is its highly dangerous nature during handling. It is instructed to use electronic grade hydrogen peroxide under close supervision in research or industrial settings.

Inhalation of hydrogen peroxide in different forms, including aerosols, mists, or vapors is estimated to cause severe health issues. Further, it is anticipated to speed up thermal breakdown for some fundamental materials, including heavy metals, copper alloys, etc. Therefore, it is very important to handle it correctly to avoid the chances of health hazards.

More Insights, Lesser Cost (-50% off)

Insights on import/export production,
pricing analysis, and more &#; Only @ Fact.MR

Which Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Market Trends are Startups Capitalizing On?

&#;Introduction of New Gadgets and Technologies&#;

In recent years, a constant increase in the introduction of new gadgets and technologies has been encountered. Therefore, an increased demand for more effective electronic grade hydrogen peroxide is encountered to aid these newly developed modern techniques, which is further generating lucrative opportunities for startups.

Country-wise Insights

As mentioned in Fact.MR report, East Asia is evaluated to account for 24.6% of the electronic grade hydrogen peroxide market share by the end of . Strong footprints of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide manufacturers in the region along with the availability of an excellent network for goods export and import ensure convenience. Moreover, growing expenditure in the electronics industry is also contributing to the rising demand for hydrogen peroxide.

Why are Suppliers of Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Gaining Prominence in the United States?

&#;Well-established Semiconductor Industry and Supportive Government Regulations&#;

Attribute United States Market Value (E) US$ 105.6 Million Growth Rate ( to ) 5.6% CAGR Projected Value (F) US$ 182.4 Million

The United States is forecasted to account for 73.5% market share in North America by . The country is identified as one of the prominent consumers of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide in the region. This is due to the presence of a well-established semiconductor industry.

Further, the United States is expected to increase its fabrication capacity share of semiconductors because of the supportive behavior of the government in the form of funds. In addition, increasing requirements for printed circuit board etching, flat panel display, semiconductor wafer cleaning, and photovoltaic manufacturing are contributing to the growing sales of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide as one of the key components used in the production process.

Some key market players in the United States are investing to increase their production capacities in response to growing fab capacity, which is further contributing to the expansion of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide market size.

What&#;s Contributing to Rising Sales of Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide in China?

&#;Presence of Prominent Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Manufacturers&#;

Attribute China Market Value (E) US$ 228.2 Million Growth Rate ( to ) 4.3% CAGR Projected Value (F) US$ 346.3 Million

China is approximated to account for 57.3% of the East Asian market share by -end. The presence of some of the key manufacturers of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide is contributing to the market growth in the country. Furthermore, the increasing production of electronic devices in China is also driving demand for hydrogen peroxide as a vital component. Constant efforts for the expansion of fabrication capacity are anticipated to generate requirements for hydrogen peroxide in the electronics industry.

Know thy Competitors

Competitive landscape highlights only certain players
Complete list available upon request

Category-wise Insights

According to the report published by fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, electronic grade hydrogen peroxide is used significantly as an oxidizing & cleaning agent. It is used in various disinfectant products, including exterior and interior glass cleansers, etc.

For Which Primary Function is Demand for Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Increasing More?

&#;Rising Consumption of Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing & Cleaning Agents&#;

Attribute Oxidizing & Cleaning Agents Segment Value (E) US$ 1.08 Billion Growth Rate ( to ) 4.6% CAGR Projected Value (F) US$ 1.7 Billion

Electronic grade hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing & cleaning agent is evaluated to account for 69.2% share of the global market by the end of . This is attributed to the wide use of hydrogen peroxide in the formulation of various hygiene items and cleaning agents. It is used in multiple disinfectant products, such as exterior and interior glass cleansers, sanitizers, etc.

Which Application of Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide is Generating More Profits?

&#;Utilization of Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide in Photovoltaic Manufacturing&#;

Attribute Photovoltaic Manufacturing Segment Value (E) US$ 401.1 Million Growth Rate ( to ) 4.3% CAGR Projected Value (F) US$ 611.7 Million

Photovoltaic manufacturing is estimated to hold 24.9% share of global market revenue by . Electronic grade hydrogen peroxide is utilized as a cleaning agent, which assists in the production of photovoltaic cells. These cells play a vital role in electricity generation in solar panels.

Competitive Landscape

Leading market players are targeting to invest in the development of novel technologies for the production of high-level electronic grade hydrogen peroxide. Further, new product development, offering quality products, and strengthening supply chain systems are some other key strategies adopted by leading companies to get an edge in the global market. They are setting up novel facilities to increase their production capacity.

For instance :

• Solvay, in June , announced the building of its new facility for the development of electronic grade hydrogen peroxide in the United States. This initiative is estimated to help the company in offering high-purity chemicals to the manufacturers of semiconductors while using renewable electricity, and thus enhance market presence.

Key players in the electronic grade hydrogen peroxide market include Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Arkema S.A., Taekwang Industrial Co., Ltd., Changchun Group, Solvay SA, Evonik Industries, Santoku Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., and Grasim Industries.

Segmentation of Electronic Grade Hydrogen Peroxide Market Research

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Electronic Grade Chemicals.

• By Primary Function :

  • Etchant (Etching Agents)
  • Oxidizing & Cleaning Agents

• By Concentration :

  • 30% to 32%
  • Above 32%

• By Contamination Level :

  • <100ppb
  • <10ppb
  • <1ppb
  • <0.1 ppb
  • <0.01 ppb

• By Application :

  • Printed Circuit Board Etching
  • Semiconductor Wafer Cleaning
  • Flat Panel Display Manufacturing
  • Photovoltaic Manufacturing

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
  • South Asia & Oceania