Safely Soldering
Many
hobbyists and
professionals alike take
soldering for granted. Though indispensible for
pipe welding and
electronics kits,
solder contains the powerful
neurotoxin lead in high concentration. In addition, the
flux or
lubricant in solder, whether
acid or
rosin,
corrodes the
lungs and is
carcinogenic.
The following safety guidelines, while
facile, nevertheless protect the solderer from
lead poisoning,
fume inhalation, and
third degree burns. Reason enough to don some solder kit.
First, I'd suggest buying an
organic vapor mask with easily removeable
cartridges to use indoors. Readily found at the local
home improvement warehouse, these masks protect from flux and lead fumes
if worn according to manufacturer's instructions. Before leaving the store, check to see if the filters properly screen a wide variety of organic fumes including lead. Please follow mask directions carefully. If the mask does not seal tightly to the face, fumes will leak in and render the mask useless. To test the seal, try to push the mask forward. If the seal is not easily broken, consider the mask properly installed. When working indoors, supplement the mask with moving
ventilation. When done, store your mask in a
resealable plastic bag to prevent filter
oxidixation.
Second, invest in thick
vinyl gloves and a nice pair of
leather gloves. Gloves protect the skin from contact with solder, and, in the case of leather gloves, can protect against some burns. Thick gloves also come in handy when working outside. Remember to wash or discard gloves when finished, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
Thirdly, wear sufficient eye protection such as goggles or shatter resistant glasses. If applicable, remember to take your
contact lenses out and wear your
eyeglasses while working around solder
fumes.
Finally, when done sweep up stray
solder blobs and
wire shavings. Children and pets alike love
little shiny things, so a vigilant eye best protects against lead poisoning.
As always,
curse when a tiny bit of solder sizzles off your
thumb.