%0 eBook %M Solr-EB000355417 %E Subramanian, KV. %I Springer US %D 2007 %C New York, NY %G English %@ 9780387484334 %T Lead-Free Electronic Solders : A Special Issue of the Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics %U https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-48433-4?nosfx=y %7 1st ed. 2007 %X In the last few decades the effect of lead contamination on human health has received significant attention. Based on such concerns, elimination of lead from ceramic glaze, paint, plumbing etc. has been legislated and implemented. However, until recently, solders used in electronics, based on suitability and knowledge-base developed over a long period of time, remained lead-based. Successive rapid advances in microelectronic devices in recent decades make them obsolete within a very short period after their introduction resulting in significant quantities of electronic wastes in landfills. Leaching of toxic lead from such electronic wastes can result in contamination of the human food chain causing serious health hazards. As a consequence, several European and Pacific Rim countries have passed legislations warranting elimination of lead from electronic solders by fast approaching deadlines.