Tin Whiskers



I first read about this some time ago, but have been seeing more and more references of late.

Interesting, although I thought from the thread title that this was going to be about a robot cat.

Isn't it something to do with some EU regulation banning lead in solder?

Yes, but apparently some industries such as aerospace, military and medicine may be exempt. If that is the case then the problem is well known and acknowledged (read the NASA links from the article).

Lead isn't something that is created like Plutonium or Agent Orange. It's use and disposal just lead to a redistribution around the planet. Freeing from ore and resultant accumulation may be a localised problem which can be managed, but as these regs appear to be environmental concerns, I wonder what the comparative costs are for multiple replacement products with regards to production, distribution and disposal.

I suppose it will help to maintain the capitalist model.

I appreciate it's cynical, but I do often wonder if we'd get some of the legislation we did if the extra cost it imposed upon the public was imparted to some degree directly on the people who are passing it.

Jon