Workshop covers EU environmental regulations

These regulations restrict lead (widely used in solder), mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium (used to inhibit corrosion), and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants (in plastic housings of electrical appliances).

Participants in the workshop will examine how U.S. manufacturers and suppliers should respond to the EU regulations. They will also help produce a plan that will prevent the regulations from becoming a barrier to the global marketplace.

"The Restricted Substances in Materials: Testing and Reporting Procedures" workshop will take place on the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Md., from Oct. 5-7. Registration and program information are at www.nist.gov/public_affairs/confpag e/051005.htm