I got to be honest with you Karl, this article is a bit misleading. What is being referred to here is the use of lead in electronics. I work in the high-tech electronics industry; and the company I work for produces lead-free electronic assemblies, so we are compliant. However, the lead-free issue is very much a political one. As of July 2006 the EU RoHS mandates came into force prohibiting the sale of leaded electronic devices in Europe. This pushed the entire world to develop an alternate solution to leaded solder. It has been a very expensive and difficult task because no viable solution was available at that time. Although, a new type of solder has been developed, basically replacing lead with silver it is no less toxic to the environment than lead, plus the technology of using Silver as molten solder, because it is such a new concept, is largely untested. In other words there many reliability concerns in using silver. Excluding computer monitors and car batteries, in which there are recycling programs in effect, the electronics industry contributes a very small percentage to the lead waste problem - I think it's about 2% - yet the entire industry has to change. It's a sore point with me, and many in this industry. And let's not forget that China itself produces the most pollution on this planet. I think they need to be forced to clean up their own backyard... -----Original Message----- From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of karl shah-jenner Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2007 8:31 AM To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students Subject: how green is your electronics maker http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/toxics/electronics/how-th e-companies-line-up interesting stuff k
