Frontier review of the importance to revise existing European environmental classification standards

Abstract

Significant discrepancies between the chemically active substance concentrations in the database and the actual environment can lead to deviations in anti-corrosion design and material selection during electronic product development and even lead to incorrect estimation of product lifetime. This literature research aims to provide a basis for updating the database of gaseous chemical concentrations, which are prone to triggering corrosive effects in power electronic modules and equipment. The current pollutant concentration standards applicable to electronic equipment, as well as agencies and research institutes with relevant expertise, are presented first. The distribution of pollutant concentrations in different regions of the world is shown through literature review and data collection. Moreover, changes in pollutant concentrations over the last 30 years in several German cities are also presented. The rationale and need for updating the European environmental classification are discussed based on the analysis of the collected data and comparison with existing standards.