Soldering - is it carcinogenic?

[Harvey A. Kader]

Hello all.

I  knew as an adult(but never when I was a kid) that lead/tin solder
posed a mild risk for lead poisoning if hands are not washed after
soldering, and food is then consumed. How many of us soldered as kids,
and never bothered to wash our hands after?

I just purchased some replacement soldering iron tips. This is what is
printed on the front of the package-

"WARNING: This product, when used for soldering and similar
applications, produces chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm".

Question - is it the lead or tin or the flux which is carcinogenic? And
how is it carcinogenic - ingestion or inhalation of fumes during
soldering? How much at risk are we?

Thanks.

Regards.

Harvey.

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