I've just purchased some lead free solder for my venture into electronics, but I've been told that the higher tempuratures required to melt it can damage components. I'm too paranoid to use lead solder because of lead exposure, so what can I do to prevent damage to my components? 🙁
If you use leaded solder, just don't touch it unnecessarily and wash your hands after each soldering session.
I have a case of OCD when it comes to dealing with poisonous substances 🙁 I'm not an anti germ freak or anything, just very careful when it comes to things like lead and other horrible poisons
Buy yourself some heatsink pliers.
Such as
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=3930&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=&doy=15m3
Goodlife
Such as
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=3930&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=&doy=15m3
Goodlife
Lead is actually not that poisonous compared to many other things you commonly will come into contact with. It is a danger primarily to developing children (affects brain development). There are probably various compounds in the flux that are much worse.
As 454Casull indicated, the primary vector is oral. Don't eat while soldering and wash afterwards.
As 454Casull indicated, the primary vector is oral. Don't eat while soldering and wash afterwards.
One of my oldest electronics related items is my 5lb spool of Kester 44, 36 years and still a little left. I scare myself sometimes and think that it might really have been the lifetime supply. I confess to have held a little in my teeth now and then when in a jamb.
I figure that if I can drink wine from lead crystal glass, a little oral third-hand with the solder now and again will get lost in the noise.
I've been inhaling lead solder fumes for years and it hastn affceted mea bitt.
I've been inhaling lead solder fumes for years and it hastn affceted mea bitt.
Yeah the fumes are probably much worse than just handling lead solder...
Even then its only a problem if your licking your fingers or something, then I guess a tiny bit gets ingested.
I bet the lead free stuff has bad fumes too, setup a simple fan or work with an open window at least.
Even then its only a problem if your licking your fingers or something, then I guess a tiny bit gets ingested.
I bet the lead free stuff has bad fumes too, setup a simple fan or work with an open window at least.
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