Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
(OP)
Hello,
I have read conflicting research regarding the potential for lead fume generation during, what the industry terms, soft soldering (temps below 842F(450C)). I understand lead has a vapor pressure of 1mmHg at ~973C, a melting point of ~621F (327C), and a boiling point of 3182F (1750C). The solder used is ~60/40 tin/lead ratio. If any of you could provide some objective evidence/data to either support or deny the claim that soldering at these temps will not generate lead fumes; or have any supportive data indicating levels not exceeding ~50micrograms/m3 of lead fumes in a standard soldering station setting wrt PBZ, i would greatly appreciate it. My background in Industrial Hygiene is limited however more so due to lack of equipment. I am familiar with the potential health effects of lead inhalation/ingestion and the aliphatic aldehydes associated with the vapors from the colophony. My question is aimed at just the potential for lead fume generation during soldering. To validate the potential of lead fume generation by scientific evidence in lieu of atmospheric sampling would be a more pragmatic approach if the science is founded. My objective is to see what evidence may exist to support the need for IH sampling, LEV, etc. Air sampling is always preferred given the multitude of variables however due diligence must be sought before utilizing potentially superfluous costly sampling services. Thank you for your responses.
I have read conflicting research regarding the potential for lead fume generation during, what the industry terms, soft soldering (temps below 842F(450C)). I understand lead has a vapor pressure of 1mmHg at ~973C, a melting point of ~621F (327C), and a boiling point of 3182F (1750C). The solder used is ~60/40 tin/lead ratio. If any of you could provide some objective evidence/data to either support or deny the claim that soldering at these temps will not generate lead fumes; or have any supportive data indicating levels not exceeding ~50micrograms/m3 of lead fumes in a standard soldering station setting wrt PBZ, i would greatly appreciate it. My background in Industrial Hygiene is limited however more so due to lack of equipment. I am familiar with the potential health effects of lead inhalation/ingestion and the aliphatic aldehydes associated with the vapors from the colophony. My question is aimed at just the potential for lead fume generation during soldering. To validate the potential of lead fume generation by scientific evidence in lieu of atmospheric sampling would be a more pragmatic approach if the science is founded. My objective is to see what evidence may exist to support the need for IH sampling, LEV, etc. Air sampling is always preferred given the multitude of variables however due diligence must be sought before utilizing potentially superfluous costly sampling services. Thank you for your responses.





RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
Might try Lucas Milhaupt.
Everything we have ever done has been to control the fumes.
Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.
www.carbideprocessors.com
Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'
Frankly I have found virtually NO information on the chemical content of solder fumes other than flux components in it. Other sites mention lead oxide fumes but I believe that is related more to other "higher temp operations" like welding/brazing,etc.. processes and not typical electronic soldering. Many sources say there is lead in the fumes but no information backs that up.
The electronic soldering industry simply uses fume extractors with a carbon filter media and that's IT.. No further protection is ever mandated. I'd hope its not all a giant coverup by the electronics industry and that we are all dying from lead fumes.. Heck we have "fume extractors" that are no more than a box fan with a carbon sponge filter in front of it..and never are the fumes evacuated out of the building for hand soldering.
We are planning on a redesign of our floor layout and I intend to actually vent all soldering fumes outside just because it makes me sleep better at night knowing that I'm not just blowing whatever it is right back all over the building/work surfaces.
We also have a selective soldering machine and it does put off quite a bit of flux fumes and lead particles do go airborn and make their way 8-10 feet from the solder pot.. We use a hepa vacuum system for cleaning and all rags,etc... are sealed up in a plastic bag before being disposed of.
In general, (until the world wide solder fume cover up is exposed) ha ha.. Simple fume extraction/sufficient cleaning methods and routine hand washing,etc.. are the norm and should be enforced.
RE: Lead fume generation potential during 'soft soldering'