Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which of the following substances is restricted under RoHS regulations?

1. Asbestos

2. Lead

3. Mercury

4. Both lead and mercury

The correct answer is: Both lead and mercury

RoHS, which stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive, specifically aims to limit the use of certain hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic equipment. Among the restricted substances under RoHS are lead and mercury, both of which can pose significant health and environmental risks. Lead is often found in solder for electronic components and can lead to serious health issues if humans are exposed to it over time. Mercury, on the other hand, is commonly used in various electronic applications, such as in switches and light bulbs, but it is also highly toxic and can accumulate in living organisms, leading to severe ecological and health impacts. The directive’s purpose is to ensure that manufacturers reduce these harmful substances in their products to promote safer handling, recycling, and disposal methods. Therefore, the inclusion of both lead and mercury under RoHS regulations highlights the regulation's objective to mitigate the risks associated with these hazardous materials in electronic devices. Recognizing this, the identification of both lead and mercury as restricted substances captures the essence of RoHS compliance.