ABSTRACT
Electronics technology is pervasive in the global economy and has been integral not only to communication and
computing purposes but also to industrial controls and monitoring, e-commerce and education for individuals,
schools, and businesses worldwide. As the industry has grown globally, it has faced challenges from innovation
and increased competition as well as the global concerns for the environment and the need to improve the
resource management. While perceived as a ‘‘clean’’ industry, the technological advances made by the industry
create a significant demand on the Earth’s resources. Over the past decade, the industry has made significant
efforts to reduce environmental impacts through energy efficiency programs and pollution prevention initiatives,
such as the phase out of the use of ozone-depleting substances frommanufacturing and air-conditioning uses and
the development of alternatives to solder technologies and materials.
