Cleaning up: electronics manufacturers are rethinking their processes to remove toxic threats to workers' health and the environment
Article Abstract:
Many electronics manufacturers are working to remove the toxic threats to their workers' health and environment. One example of this effort can be seen in plants employing ethylene glycol ethers, a class of chemical compounds used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. In 1983, following a report contracted by DEC and conducted by the University of Massachusetts, DEC began encouraging its employees who were pregnant or planning a pregnancy to transfer out of fabrication at full salary and status. The report had found that miscarriage rates were 20 to 40 percent higher for chip fabrication workers. DEC's move to phase in ethylene glycol ether substitutes was followed by other chip makers, but companies attempting to replace the compounds in existing processes are being hurt by low production yields. Other toxic hazards, possible alternatives, and the costs and benefits of moving to safer processes are discussed.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1993
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Consumer electronics
Article Abstract:
Three conglomerates with major shares of the European television business as well as other consumer electronics activities are preparing to compete against their Japanese competitors. The three conglomerates are NV Philips of the Netherlands, Thomson Consumer Electronics Co of France, and Nokia Group of Finland. The main issue in the consumer electronics industry today is high definition television. The 1992 Olympic Games from Barcelona will be sent over an HDTV system. A single HDTV transmission standard will be set for Europe; the question is whether its origin will be Europe, Japan or the US.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1990
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Consumer electronics
Article Abstract:
Digital audio tape (DAT), a revolutionary product with advantages over compact disks, came closer to appearing in the consumer marketplace in 1986. Compact video cameras became more popular and available, and television receivers using digital processing and advances in cathode ray tube design for improved pictures were developed. Video games regained popularity, and standards for home automation and compact disk interactive (CD-I) were under development during the year.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1987
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