I was briefly involved in some research concerning the RoHS in particular the removing lead from the solder used in electronic circuits and the resulting problems (tin whiskers, weaker connections etc).
The decision to remove lead from solder was done at the political level, not on a scientific or even technical level. Money wasn't even really available for the research to find a better solution.
Even though their appears to be a process for lead free solders to be at least nearly as good as leaded solder I still wonder how many consumer electronics failed early and wound up in our landfills because somebody decided it would be a good idea without asking anyone who would know any problems associated with it.
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