Hello Camille,

Thanks for the note, book recommendation and link.

There is definitely an abundance of lead on this planet. Our dear  earth is
just one big ball of toxic metals and corrosive  fluids... ; -)

Joking aside, lead is a very important metal just not well suited for
ingestion or inhalation by living beings.

There is no question that tin is a very, very useful metal as well and  I am
not about to argue with Ron (or Kay either :-) on the subject of the
importance and utility of tin in electronics.

It is excellent stuff but it is not a cure all. However much like  is the
case with ice cream, if some is good, more is not necessarily  better.

The issue is really one of need and the environment and according to  science
there is no need for lead-free, especially when viewed in the light of
compelled recycling as is being prescribed in the EU.

Very few in the industry, save those with a vested interest in the
propagation of what they believe are solutions, will argue openly the benefits  of
lead-free. The tin industry, for example, appears to have taken a  leading role in
the lead-free effort with the sponsorship of  SolderTech. I don't think
anyone can say seriously that it was done  from the "goodness of their hearts". The
charter is clearly to promote the  expanded use of tin and to solve any
blocking technical problems (and as  well, it now appears, legal interpretations).

Let me quickly add that there is nothing wrong or devious  about any of the
tin industry's activities. They are just doing  business.

The law has loomed large of late and is getting larger every day. In fact,
presently, as has been the case for a long time, a good percentage of  the
dialogue here has been about the law and the minutia within the  law. To me the
bigger question is: Is the law right or even good?

Laws are generated and bad laws can and should be repealed but it takes
courage and that is something that few politicians carry in their bags,
especially when there is controversy involved and the accused has been made  to appear
guilty because one of this family members committed a crime.

Meanwhile, from what I have learned recently returns for lead-free product
are reportedly running higher than for traditional solders among some
producers.  Better get your electronics now, while they are still relatively
inexpensive and use the proven reliable.  ;-)

Thanks again, Camille, for your thoughts and recommendations.

I will step down off the soap box now... ;-)

Kind regards,
Joe

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