In recent years, environmental issues have had a profound influence on cable designs and materials used in cable construction. This paper will address the issues concerned with the effects of cable on the environment, as well as, the effects of environmental conditions on cable performance and reliability. Effects on the environment include release of toxic materials and contamination of ground water. Environmental effects on cable are related to the presence of moisture, chemicals, ions, oils or solvents. All such issues must be considered in the evolution of environmentally safe cables. This also extends to the manufacturing processes for producing cable insulation, jacketing, and sheathing materials as well as the cable manufacturing process itself.