Does solder fume contain lead content?

Whenever I've worked with soldering for a period of time, say 1 hour, my brain starts to feel a bit fuzzy and concentration begins to deteroriate. It makes me wonder whether this is the effect of lead particles contained by the soldering smoke, or am I just being tired and panaroid. Suprisingly though, I don't have much of the same feeling when working with lead-free solder. Does anyone know if there are any studies having done on this concern, such as the concentration of lead released in fume? Thanks.

Reply to
w2kwong
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You are a hypochondriac.

No. No lead fumes.

Reply to
ChairmanOfTheBored

Probably, breathing the flux is having an effect on you. Try using a fume extractor. The flux would be a different formulation for lead vs. lead-free solder. There is very little lead in fumes at normal soldering temperatures-- you'll absorb more if you don't wash your hands properly before eating.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

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"it\'s the network..."                          "The Journey is the reward"
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Reply to
Spehro Pefhany

It may be the rosin. Is your area well ventilated?

Al

Reply to
Al

The most likely thing is that you are imagining the problem. You have heard that lead is bad stuff and your mind is creating problems to match the expected results.

Less likely but still reasonable is that you are reacting badly to the flux that is in the lead solder but not the flux in the lead free.

The real effects of metal poisoning are generally very slow in onset and extremely slow to go away.

When it comes to direct medical problems, the lead free solder is far more dangerous that the stuff with lead in it. Have you noticed that you are putting on weight, not feeling like you have as much energy, or losing your hair? Answer this question before you read on.

.. down ..

... further ....

... nearly there ...

I just made that last bit up. Did you answer yes? Many people would have.

Reply to
MooseFET

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Full disclosure: this company makes and sells fume-extraction systems.

Reply to
Richard Henry

Try and get more pay for working with the lead solder. Let me know what happens :P

IIRC I read somewhere that the lead does not "atomize" and if it did it wouldn't be light enough to be dragged into the rising rosin smoke.

You can also worry about mercury poisoning if you have old amalgam fillings. D from BC

Reply to
D from BC

Nah, lead is slow. And primarily a digestion hazard, anyway. (Caveat: cilliary action in the lungs leads to coughing up and swallowing whatever you breathe.)

Paranoia, posture and general fatigue are more likely candidates. Get up and walk around a bit.

Tim

-- Deep Fryer: A very philosophical monk. Website @

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Reply to
Tim Williams

No, you're tired and paranoid.

You won't get any lead vapor unless your soldering temperature reaches

3,164 degrees F.

Hope This Helps! Rich

Reply to
Rich Grise

So what you`re saying is that there is no humidity unless the temperature reaches 212°F ?

Hope This Helps! Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

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"it\'s the network..."                          "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
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Reply to
Spehro Pefhany

It's not lead vapor that you need to worry about. It's lead oxide dust in the smoke.

Reply to
Richard Henry

So spit! Hock a rosin loogie! ;-)

Or smoke cigarettes, which provides a protective layer of tar, and stimulates the cilia's flushing action. ;-) (the tobacco tar entrains and assists in the flushing of the _real_ toxins, like car exhaust, lead vapor, and the miasma that always accompanies self-righteousness. ;-) ;-) )

Cheers! Rich

Reply to
Richard The Dreaded Libertaria

Okay, Mister Smarty-Boots, what's the vapor pressure of lead at 370F?

;-) Rich

Reply to
Rich Grise

All that saltpeter they fed you in the army is starting to take effect.

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Paul Hovnanian     mailto:Paul@Hovnanian.com
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Reply to
Paul Hovnanian P.E.

Don't forget eye strain, you top posting twit.

Reply to
Herbert John "Jackie" Gleaso

Do 2 Wongs make a Wight?

Reply to
Archimedes' Lever

You're a goddamned idiot. Protective layer of a known deadly carcinogen. What a retard you are.

Reply to
Herbert John "Jackie" Gleaso

Try running some blind tests.

Reply to
Andy

A good way to acquire second degree burns. :-]

Reply to
ChairmanOfTheBored

I agree with Richard. I know 300 degrees is far less then lead boiling point. However when being heated, the resin vapour may carry substantial amount of fine lead particles into the air. What do you think?

Reply to
w2kwong

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