CWEA Environmental Compliance Practice Test

In the context of a printed circuit board shop, copper is a major pollutant of concern because it is extensively used in the manufacturing process. Copper is utilized to create electrical connections on the circuit boards, and during various stages such as etching and plating, copper waste can be generated. This waste can lead to significant environmental issues if not managed properly.

Copper can be harmful in high concentrations, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems when it is discharged into water bodies. Its persistence in the environment can lead to bioaccumulation, and thus, it is subject to stringent regulatory standards. Effective waste management practices and control measures are imperative in printed circuit board manufacturing facilities to mitigate the risks associated with copper contamination.

While other materials like lead, cadmium, and nickel can also be pollutants in electronic waste and circuit board production, copper’s predominant use and the volume of wastewater generated make it a primary focus for environmental compliance in this industry.