Seu ferro de solda e estanho são venenosos: não arrisque sua saúde

Your soldering iron and tin are poisonous: don't risk your health

Solder is poisonous

1. Are soldering iron and soldering tin poisonous?

Some netizens reported that they have been working with electric soldering irons in a PCB factory for a year and have felt discomfort in their bodies, including a slightly swollen abdomen. They wonder if solder is poisonous and if they can get lead poisoning.

The toxicity of solder depends on whether the solder wire used for soldering contains lead. Regular blood lead testing is necessary to ensure levels do not exceed the standard.

If adequate protective measures and raw material procurement standards are followed, tin soldering typically does not cause significant damage. Currently, lead-free products are widely used.

Lead is a toxic substance and excessive exposure can result in lead poisoning. Exposure to low levels can affect intelligence, the nervous system and the reproductive system. The commonly used solder is a mixture of tin and lead, which has good conductivity and a low melting point. However, the toxicity of this solder comes mainly from lead. Lead fumes produced during welding can cause lead poisoning.

Lead and its compounds are classified as hazardous substances and can affect the central nervous system and kidneys. It has also been confirmed that lead has toxic effects on the environment and organisms. Blood lead levels of 10 μg/dl or higher can cause biochemical effects, and prolonged exposure to levels above 60-70 μg/dl can result in clinical lead poisoning.

It is important to note that all metals can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts, including solder. During welding, smoke is produced that contains harmful elements, which is why it is recommended to wear a mask during work. However, even with protection, there may still be some impact. Using lead-free soldering wire is a safer option compared to those that contain lead.

2. Is lead-free solder toxic?

The material used for soldering with an electric soldering iron is solder wire, which typically consists of tin and other metals. Solder wire can be divided into two categories: lead-free and lead-free. With the implementation of the EU ROHS standard, more and more PCB soldering plants are opting for lead-free and environmentally friendly options. Lead solder wire, which is not environmentally friendly, is being eliminated and replaced. Currently, the main products on the market are lead-free solder pastes, wires and bars.

Solder tin can be toxic due to its low melting point and the presence of lead (60% lead and 40% tin). Most solder tin on the market is hollow and contains rosin, which releases a gas when melted during soldering.

The gas released from rosin is slightly toxic and has a bad smell. The main hazard associated with solder tin is lead fumes, even in lead-free products that contain some amount of lead. The lead smoke threshold in GBZ2-2002 is low and toxic, so it requires protection. In Europe, the protection of workers and the environment during welding is enforced through legislation and protective measures must be taken.

In the ISO14000 standard, provisions are made for the treatment and protection of pollution generated during production. Lead was once a component of solder wire, but now most companies use lead-free solder wire, which consists mainly of tin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measures tin dioxide, which is not classified as an occupational hazard.

Lead fumes in the lead-free process are unlikely to exceed the standard, but other hazards may exist, such as the dangerous properties of soldering flux (rosin substances). Employees can check the identification and classification of the tin used to ensure proper documentation and rectification by the company, if necessary.

Lead builds up in the body over time and causes damage to the immune and nervous systems. Lead-free soldering wire is environmentally friendly, but it can still have negative effects on human health. Lead-free solder wire has less pollution than lead-containing solder wire, but it is not completely lead-free. The gases generated during welding, such as rosin oil and zinc chloride, are toxic. Soldering without lead is more difficult than using lead and tin.

Lead-free solder is toxic

3. How to prevent the soldering iron and soldering wire from being poisonous?

The PCB Factory must take precautions when soldering components using ROHS tin wire and an electric soldering iron with tin. This includes wearing gloves, masks or gas masks, ensuring adequate ventilation in the workplace, maintaining a good exhaust system, cleaning up after work and drinking milk to avoid toxicity from lead in solder.

Take rest breaks: It is recommended to take a break of about 15 minutes every hour of work to reduce fatigue, as resistance is greater when you are tired.

  • Reduce smoking and increase water intake to eliminate harmful substances absorbed during the day.
  • Consuming mung bean soup or honey water before bed can help reduce fire and improve mood, while mung beans and honey can also help eliminate a large amount of absorbed lead and radiation.
  • Minimize radiation exposure as much as possible, such as not using your cell phone when possible.
  • Use a shiny soldering iron and consider using a PPD welding head to reduce damage to your body. This can also reduce the need for welding oil and resin once the temperature is reached.
  • When the soldering oil and tin smoke, try turning your head to the side and holding your breath to reduce exposure.
  • Use less water and more alcohol when brushing, and consider using alcohol for a while as the effect is similar.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after welding.
  • Take a shower before going to bed and aim for a sleep schedule consistent with adequate sleep. Adequate sleep can help eliminate impurities from your body.
  • Work with masks.

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