Current technology – uses lead and lead-free solder and components and etching processes which equates to chemical pollution, recycling and other e-waste issues both during production and at end of life.
In Europe and many other countries, the use of lead in electronics manufacturing is prohibited or regulated. The use of lead-free solder and electronic components is the current alternative. Lead-free technology has been facing significant issues with reliability in many applications.
Printed-circuit-board manufacturer, Exception PCB, suggest that replacing a leaded PCB with a RoHS compliant version is not enough to produce an effective and compliance product. "While a designer may be right to tick the 'compliance required' box on his submitted drawings, we are aware of instances where adopting the letter of the law and blindly adopting lead-free solders in isolation would be product suicide."
Even with lead-free technology, etching of PCB and disposal of the chemicals is a major issue during manufacturing.