Jim,

I have to take exception to your note. I agree with #1, components will
be subjected to higher temperatures. If we do the job right, we should
not see increased product failures nor increased costs (except for the
learning curve on the front end). There is no evidence that massive
equipment expenditures will be required - that will be somewhat
dependent on the solutions developed, but the goal is not to incur
massive new costs. I also do not understand your comment #5 as I have
seen nothing that would be deleterious to the environment in the
workable solutions proposed.

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Smith [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2000 4:45 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [LF] Lead-Free and Politics


Guys:

Before I post the following, what do you think?

Jim

Here's where I antagonize a substantial number of list members...

Lead-free knowledge has evolved rapidly and that evolution has been
thoroughly reported by members of this forum. From these postings, we
now know that removing lead will:

1. Subject components to much higher temperatures than in the past
2. Likely increase product failures
3. Require massive capital equipment expenditures
4. Increase product cost, and
5. Generate environmental benefits ranging from zero to substantially
negative

Collectively, the electronics industry may be able to mitigate the
consequences of item 1 and therefore minimize the failure issue. Items 3
and 4 are pretty much inevitable but would be acceptable (albeit
painful) costs of doing business in the event removal of lead would
produce a healthier planet. But item 5 trumps all the other items.

Engineers may prefer to stick to physical concerns. Unfortunately,
however, taking out lead is simply irresponsible given our current level
of scientific knowledge. Accordingly, the engineering/scientific
community has a social obligation to prevent the world from shooting
itself in its collective foot.

We are the people with the knowledge of the real consequences of lead
removal. To suggest that discussion of politics can or should be taken
out of this forum ignores our responsibilities. And IPC as an
organization should be leading the education movement to ensure
politicians factor the new scientific information into policy decisions.

Jim Smith
Managing Director
Cambridge Management Sciences, Inc.
4285 45th St. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33711-4431
Tel: (727)866-6502 ext. 21
Fax: (727)867-7890
eMail: [log in to unmask]

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