Electronics > Beginners
Life expectancy vs Lead exposure?
(1/14) > >>
bjdhjy888:
Hi,

    I often do hands-on experiments with lead containing PCB, solder paste and soldering lead containing solder. I wash my hands after each experiement. I use a fan with a filter to rid the soldering smoke out of my room and an air quality monitor to display real time air quality data.

    Still, I'm concerned about my health in the long run. Will lead harm my body in the long run? Will I get any chances of developing any heavy metal poisioning problems?

    Or, it's totally safe to work with lead solder, lead solder paste and PCB???

 :phew:
bsfeechannel:
Ask how many on this forum died because of the use of leaded solder.
Gyro:
You are as safe as it's possible to be in this world.  ;)

Washing your hands, as you do, is the best precaution against lead ingestion by transferring it to food etc.  Normal soldering temperatures are far too low to cause any lead vapour to form.

Your biggest health risk is actually from the flux fumes which can vary from being a respiratory irritant, to triggering asthma attacks if a sufferer, to long term respiratory issues. Stay out of the fumes by using air movement / filtering / extraction and again, you'll be fine.

Ironically, the flux used in lead-free solders is a lot more 'nasty'. It's best to avoid those.
radiolistener:
Some times ago people used mercury as medicament from different diseases. Also radioactive elements was used for better health :)

Lead is nothing in comparison with that  :D

Old Printer:
As my name implies, I grew  up in an old fashioned print shop. So did my father, uncle and grandfather and assorted cousins. Up until the late 80's we ran hot metal type, Linotype, lead type. We handled lead constantly, cut it with saws, melted it down and recast it time and time again. The previous generations all lived healthy lives and died in their mid to late 80's of natural causes. I am not saying lead is nice stuff, particularly in young children, but based on my experience it is a bit over blown. Trades people know a lot of other trades people, and I know a lot of old printers who spent their lives around lead without health problems.
Navigation
Message Index
Next page
There was an error while thanking
Thanking...

Go to full version
Powered by SMFPacks Advanced Attachments Uploader Mod