At my company we have been looking into how we can use lead-free solder and have been told that as of Jan. 2006, we will not be able to sell to European countries unless we can certify that our pc boards are lead-free. We have looked at silver solder (expensive), tin solder presents other problems such growing tin solder bridges between pins after you have soldered, sometimes months afterward! The U.S. military has decided not to go lead-free until the technology to do so is proven. This legislation is a perfect example of putting the horse before the cart. I have no doubt the problems will be solved, but does the consumer have to put up with poor quality in the meantime?

Jacob