Lead free solder was responsible for the Xbox 360 red ring of death. Millions of units of e-waste. Hardly a niche problem. More recent studies have shown tha

Lead free solder was responsible for the Xbox 360 red ring of death. Millions of units of e-waste. Hardly a niche problem. More recent studies have shown that all lead free solders will eventually develop tin whispers and fail. For devices with a 2 or 3 year lifespan (e.g. cellphones), sure, fine, whatever. For electronics that should last a long time, e.g. washing machines, dishwashers, thermostats, ovens, microwaves, lead free ensures e-waste.