An Estimate of the Transaction of Environmental Impacts as a Result of Switching to Pb-free Solder

Toxic properties of lead has led to strong demands by the public for the development of Pb-free products. Since the lead in solder used in electrical products risks being emitted into the environment if not properly collected at the end of its life cycle, switching conventional solders to Pb-free versions is regarded as especially important. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a quantitative assessment method for evaluating environmental burdens and impacts of product systems over their entire life cycles, is expected to be used as an accurate assessment tool for Pb-free solders. In the current survey, mid-term prediction of the social effect as a result of switching to Pb-free solder is assessed and examined. The effects on the whole of society were assessed by making an analysis of the time series and using the Population Balance Model (PBM). The effects are expressed as reduced external costs by using a method of life cycle impact assessment