Ames Lab Innovation Key To A “Lead-Free” Europe

Lead-free solder licensed worldwide as EU lead-free rules take effect

AMES, IA -- Lead has long been recognized as a highly toxic material that can cause brain damage. Its use in paint was banned in 1978 and it was later removed from gasoline to further protect human health. But a burgeoning source – electronic waste – poses a substantial new threat to the environment as lead and other chemicals leach from computers, cell phones and other electronic devices being buried in landfills.

Beginning July 1, the European Union will strictly limit the amount of lead and other hazardous materials lurking within the circuitry of any electronic appliance sold.1 Given the global nature of the electronics industry, however, the European ban is in essence international in scope. As electronics and appliance manufacturers scramble to meet those tough new restrictions, a lead-free solder developed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory is playing a key role.