Genny,
I thought bismuth is considered to be relatively non-toxic to humans.
Bismuth toxicity is associated with ingestion of bismuth salts.  Bismuth
subsalicylate is the active ingredient in Pepto Bismol.  What information do
you have that the EU will be going after bismuth?
Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: Leadfree [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Genny Gibbard
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 11:15 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [spam] [LF] The use of Bismuth


So I am curious, what are people thinking about the use of bismuth in lead
free termination finishes.  I am not talking about solder containing Bi.
The only supplier I have come across so far specifically mentioning they use
Bi is NEC.  They have a doc on their website, called "Japan's best kept
secret" http://www.cel.com/pdf/marcomnews/japan_best.pdf        that claims
that SnBi is recommended by JEITA, as opposed to the recommendation of JEDEC
for Matte Sn.  They make it sound as if a lot of companies are using this
plating, but I haven't come across any other components so far that use it.
The main concern I have is that I keep getting the impression that the next
metal that the EU will be gunning for eliminating is Bi, so it doesn't sound
like a smart direction to go.

Thoughts?

Genny Gibbard (mailto:[log in to unmask])

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