Safety and Environmental Problems of Cleaning Printed Circuit Assemblies

This paper describes the current (April 1989) problems of finding substitutes for chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) solvents which are becoming regulated for environmental reasons. The cleaning products discussed are hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorocarbons, chlorocarbons, water, aqueous saponifiers, light hydrocarbons and terpene/surfactant mixtures. These are examined primarily from the points of view of air and water pollution and operator health and safety. Secondarily, the factors of cost and cleaning efficiency are discussed.