Lead Free Solder

[Multi-Volti Devices]

I don't have any references to quote, but I read somewhere in the last 5-6
years that one doesn't inhale lead when soldering, but rather the flux
fumes. They are not something one wants to regularly inhale either, but the
inference was that it's more of an irritant than a hazard. Of course, solder
aid and flux chemistry has been changing (I was going to say "...in a state
of flux") in the last 5 or more years, so I wouldn't generalize.

I have also noted many more sources of fume control equipment, so perhaps it
is less safe than it used to be considered.

I saw a company that had built their own fume control system from pvc pipe
and a centralized vacuum system...each bench had a pipe on a rotating swivel
joint.

I am thinking about trying something with a table fan and 'higher
performance' disposable furnace filters...maybe electrostatic and/or carbon
filters.

Murray


-----Original Message-----
From: N5RXS, J C Smith <JSmith3703 at AOL.COM>
To: HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV <HEATH at LISTSERV.TEMPE.GOV>
Date: Monday, May 31, 1999 12:56 PM
Subject: Re: Lead Free Solder


>Fred:
>
>        Replies to your question have been informative.  I have learned a
>number of things from the replies.
>
>        Let me add my spin to the lead issue.  When soldering, some
>particulates become airborne.  However, most of us spend very time
soldering.
> Precautions to take when soldering include having adequate ventilation in
>the work area and working from the side so the smoke or vapors are not
rising
>in your breathing zone.
>
>        Studies done by communications companies indicate over exposure
>occurs when lead is in a molten state or when lead cable is being removed.
>The old telephone frame rooms wiring blocks were the solder type.  Air
>sampling in large frame rooms where technicians were constantly running
>jumper wires and soldering indicated the room atmosphere was safe.
>
>        If you melt lead to make fishing weights you may have a problem.
>Soldering electrical connections in a ventilated area should be safe.
>
>J C Smith, N5RXS
>
>--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --
>To subscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov
>and in body: subscribe HEATH yourfirstname yourlastname
>To unsubscribe:  listserv at listserv.tempe.gov
>and in body: signoff HEATH
>Archives for HEATH: http://www.tempe.gov/archives
>--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --
>

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --
To subscribe: listserv at listserv.tempe.gov
and in body: subscribe HEATH yourfirstname yourlastname
To unsubscribe:  listserv at listserv.tempe.gov
and in body: signoff HEATH
Archives for HEATH: http://www.tempe.gov/archives
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --