tin bit, page-6

Wild Bill,

Originally Lead was one of the primary materials used in electronics for soldering. Due to environmental & health reasons, Lead has been regulated against and hence why Tin has rapidly replaced Lead (from memory, I believe Lead is still used to a lesser degree?). Silver is also an alternative, however it is significantly more expensive than Tin.

In the short term, there is no comparible alternative to using Tin for soldering that I'm aware, in terms of cost, performance, regulations, etc.

Tin also has other uses such as Tin plating of metals, Tin plating of electrical wire, it's used as an additive to chemiclals, etc.

Butchy.