Zinc and zinc alloys are also known to produce whiskers slowly (or rapidly if subjected to temperature&#x2F;stress cycles) which can short circuits over time.<p><a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Whisker_%28metallurgy%29" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Whisker_%28metallurgy%29</a><p>This is especially a problem in RoHS compliant appliances as the common additives, i.e. lead, used to supress whisker formation in solder cannot be used.