Solder fumes are toxic and can cause health problems. Therefore, it should never be inhaled and the best solution is to filter the contaminated air. Solder fume extraction systems with high efficiency filters protect the user and others from harmful fumes.
Even lead-free solder fumes pose a health risk
Many people believe that today’s lead-free soldering is safe. Unfortunately, this is not the case! The electronic solders containing lead, which have been banned for non-commercial use since 1 July 2006, actually pose a significant risk to health and the environment. However, the harmful soldering fumes consist of the vapours and solids of the flux on the one hand, and the fine dust of the oxidised metal produced during soldering on the other.
According to Weller, lead-free soldering produces up to 250 per cent more particles in the breathing zone than soldering with lead-based solder. As a result, up to 700 million particles are emitted per cubic metre of air, which can reach the alveoli.
Occupational asthma
Prolonged exposure to airborne particles and gases can cause permanent damage to the human body. Every year, thousands of workers around the world develop occupational asthma and other lung diseases, including cancer. These symptoms are caused by high levels of exposure to dust, smoke and other air pollutants in the workplace. Several studies – including one by the UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – show that these concerns are not unfounded. For example, at least 20 percent of workers in the soldering sector show clinical signs of asthma. And in terms of employment law, occupational asthma means that sufferers can no longer be employed in their previous job. In extreme cases, even brief exposure to harmful particles in the air can cause problems. For example, people with heart disease can suffer heart attacks or arrhythmias as a result of air pollution.Extracting soldering fumes
If you want to do something for your health while soldering, or if you are an employer responsible for the health of your employees, you should exhaust the soldering fumes directly at the soldering workstation. Reichelt Elektronik offers a wide range of solutions, depending on the requirements.
Fume extraction for the hobby lab
In the simplest case, a soldering fume extractor consists of a small table fan and an attached charcoal or activated carbon filter. Compact fume extractors with 20 watts of electrical power and a filter in front produce an air output of 100 or more cubic metres per hour – that is almost 30 litres per second.The compact fume extraction unit with activated carbon filter measures approximately 162 x 200 x 120 mm. It is driven by a low-noise fan motor.
With the Zero Smog Shield Pro, Weller is introducing a new workbench concept in which the air is extracted and filtered horizontally across the worktop.This solution allows the soldering station to be placed on top of the filter, saving valuable workspace.
Professional fume extraction
If you run a professional soldering station or do a lot of soldering as a hobbyist, you should choose a large stationary or mobile extraction unit. There are two basic principles. One is an extraction turbine with two or more inlets that can extract air from the soldering workstation via flexible hoses. The appropriate hose is then positioned at the workstation. These fume extraction systems work with multi-stage filters for fine dust and particles, ensuring effective air purification of up to 99.97%.
The most advanced solder fume extractor is undoubtedly Weller’s Zero Smog 20T mobile under-table unit.
This wheeled unit has a footprint of 45 x 45cm and uses an electronically controlled turbine to generate an undercurrent of up to 10,000 Pa with an airflow of up to 100 m³/h. In the basic version, up to six Weller FE soldering irons can be connected directly to this turbine for soldering. As an optional accessory, a customisable piping system is available, to which up to 20 FE soldering irons can be connected in the final configuration. The total length of the piping system can be up to 200 metres. The particulate filter system provides a degree of separation of 99.95% (with a particle size of 0.16 microns).
Cover image: Adobe Stock
