Actually, yes, it looks like I didn't have the full truth either: as recently as 2 or 3 years ago you could still buy leaded solder in most places (in Europe),

Actually, yes, it looks like I didn't have the full truth either: as recently as 2 or 3 years ago you could still buy leaded solder in most places (in Europe), but the store in Germany where I used to order it, doesn't sell any anymore.