Can I get lead poisoning from inhaling solder fumes?
NO! You’re not inhaling “solder fumes” you’re inhaling Flux Fumes!
I really can’t believe the other people answering this question. Tin and lead, are metals. Can I say that? Solder, is an alloy of those metals. Bare with me.
But here’s the catch:
- Solder these days isn’t entirely comprised of Tin and Lead, there’s a hallow core of the solder, and it’s filled with Flux, specifically rosin based flux, this is often called rosin-core solder.
- Solder (60/40) has a melting point of 191 Degrees Celsius. When a metal or alloy melts, it turns into a plastic or liquid state. Plastic as in it will hold its shape but it’s still malleable. Liquid as in it won’t hold its shape.
- MELTING AN ALLOY WILL NOT TURN IT INTO A GAS. IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO BE “INHALED” IT HAS TO BE A GAS. THE SMOKE YOU SEE ISN’T SOLDER BEING VAPORIZED. TURNING METAL ALLOYS INTO A GAS IS NOT AN EASY THING TO DO!
- You know what has to have a lower melting point, no boiling point, than solder? Flux! When flux is heated up, it activates. It acts like a light acid and cleans metal conductor surfaces of oxidation, making it ready for soldering.
There, now you should have a better idea of what’s going on in the soldering process. Don’t just take my word for it, learn some of it yourself !
One more note: now that I told you that the smoke you see isn’t vaporized heavy metal, but instead, vaporized organic-based light acid, what do you do about the flux fumes?
Simple, get a fume extractor.
They cost about $50, but they’re worth it. But I guess a fan to blow away the somke works too. But this is ideal (for its price) if you’re really concerned about inhaling harmful chemicals.
Lead poisoning is real, but so is common sense, don’t let your fears get in the way of a possible career or hobby in electronics. Building stuff should be fun.
Happy Soldering!