Solder Fumes
Rosin based solder flux fume is caused when soldering. This fume if inhaled in sufficient quantities can cause chronic 'rhinitis' (runny blocked nose), conjuntivitis (watering, sore eyes) and occupational asthma (chronic breathlessness and cough). Symptoms may occur on or after further exposure to the fume.
When undertaking soldering it is impportant to reduce your exposure to any rosin based fume as far as practicable.
Top tips to consider:- Do you have to use flux containing rosin? There are other fluxing agents available
- Never over-heat the soldering iron
- Always use fume extraction
- Keep your head out of the plume of solder fume
- You may need regular health surveillance if you cannot reduce your exposure to rosin based solder fumes sufficiently.
How to reduce exposure to rosin based solder flux fume:
Fume extraction - a soldering booth is best. On-tip extraction blocks up swiftly and needs frequent cleaning. Bench-mounted boxes are useless unless fitted with a HEPA filter.
Maintain the fume extraction system regularly.
A COSHH Risk Assessment should be undertaken before commencing such an activity in the workplace.