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  • Author Author: tariq.ahmad
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Are the fumes from (soldering) flux harmful?

To go along with the question on solder types, what about the fumes created from the flux? Most of the smoke you see while soldering is the flux burning away. Is that smoke or the fumes included in it harmful? Let me know what you think below.

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  • Well, if you look at the MSDS of the nearly ubiquitous Multicore 309 solder which element14 also sells, the sheet says the following:

    The  flux  fumes  given  off  during  reflow  will  irritate  the  eyes,  nose  and  respiratory  system.Prolonged  or  repeated  exposure  to  flux  fumes  may  cause  an  asthmatic  reaction  in  sensitive  individuals.Contact  with  flux  residues  may  cause  skin  irritation  and  sensitisation.

     

    So while it doesn't say its harmful, irritation itself is highly suggestive that long-term exposure is not a good thing. So hence having a fume extractor of sorts, or generally not breathing (the flux in) is a good idea. Safety goggles are definitely a must, but some people I've seen have gone full face shield.

     

    But yeah. Don't forget to breathe in again once the flux has dissipated .... or the consequences might be more catastrophic.

     

    - Gough

  • in reply to Gough Lui
    But yeah. Don't forget to breathe in again once the flux has dissipated .... or the consequences might be more catastrophic.

    Always read the full directions before starting a task... image

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