i dont know how long its been since you looked at a periodic table, but lead is certainly not inert...

in the table linked below, inert elements are shown in orange. lead is shown in purple as an "other metal"
http://www.corrosionsource.com/handbook/periodic/

Click on Pb for the following, where they list it as "radioactive" and a "cumulative poison"
http://www.corrosionsource.com/handbook/periodic/82.htm

http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/lead.htm

Starting with "Lead is a highly toxic substance, exposure to which can produce a wide range of adverse health effects. Both adults and children can suffer from the effects of lead poisoning, but childhood lead poisoning is much more frequent..."

Or search for "saturnism"

RoHS is _not_ much of a problem to make a fuzz about. The change was announced years ago, and the industry has been prepared for this for a long time and most have made the transition just fine. Even US companies (including e.g. niche guitar amp vendors) with part of their markets in Europe have made the transition. Sure, there are technically demanding issues, but they can all be dealt with. And with years to prepare most have managed it (and there are mechanisms in place to give you more time when you can't make it).

I work for a company which had to make the change. There's work involved but I've heard noone complain. Lead _is_ dangerous for your health, and if you're told otherwise you're dealing with a crackpot. The link to health problems is even more more clear han the one between smoking and lung cancer. It's rock solid.