EU toxins plan stirs hot debate

摘要

Proposed European environmental controls on the industrial use of chemicals have the potential to evolve into a global standard, forcing the chemical industry and its customers worldwide—including semiconductor manufacturers—to phase out a number of substances that European regulators deem dangerous. The process, which could begin as early as next year but more likely will stretch into the next decade, could disrupt chip-manufacturing processes and put IC makers on a costly, time-consuming hunt for replacements.