Lead Free Solder

Why switch to a lead free solder?

In the 1960s efforts to reduce human exposure to lead began. While the focus was originally put on paint and gasoline, solder has recently become a focal point of this movement. The solution is lead free solder.

 
Why should you use lead free solder?

Considering that most solder is a mixture of about 60 percent tin and 40 percent lead, which has been identified as a poisonous metal, it is no wonder that the movement to replace it with lead free solder began.

Lead has been linked to many health issues affecting both the nervous and reproductive systems that could be avoided by using a lead free solder. Commonly used in electronics, there are now worldwide efforts to replace tin-lead solder with lead free solder.

The lead free solder alternative

The electronics industry continues to work on the development of a lead free solder that has the same physical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties as tin-lead solder. However, despite the fact that it might not share the exact same properties, there are a number of manufacturers that produce a lead free solder with similar properties. Those in the industry that oppose the available lead free solder cite cost and reliability concerns.

Enforcing lead free solder

Countries around the world are considering efforts that would enforce the use of lead free solder. There currently isn't any legislation in the United States that enforces the use of lead free solder, but the Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging American companies to switch. 

In addition to the EPA's promotion of lead free solder, efforts led by Europe and Asia are forcing many American businesses that sell into these areas to use lead free solder through the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) initiatives.

Another European directive, which is the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS), also is driving many companies to use lead free solder by stating that as of July 1, 2006 lead cannot be used to manufacture electronics. This leaves many companies with no choice but to switch to lead free solder because not responding to the request for lead free solder essentially would end trade with these areas.

Nations are responding to these initiatives for lead free solder. WEEE and RoHS are causing countries around the world to think about how to enforce the use of lead free solder.

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