Ryan Pogge wrote:

>   I was just wondering if anyone knows about health risks asosiated
> with solder.  I.E. lead poisning ect.  just curious.

  Don't suck it!  Or your hands, until washed.

Martin Tibor wrote:

> As you know lead is poison and vaporizing lead can make it more
> available so you don't want to over heat lead.

  So, don't solder using oxy-acetylene or an arc torch.  You won't
however vaporise the lead with a soldering iron, so don't get too upset
about this aspect.

> It is wise to wash your hands and avoid breathing the fumes from
> solder and rosin.

  Now I do go along with the bit about flux (rosin).  I think I have
given myself asthma over the years, because I have *never* smoked (err,
tobacco etc.).

> Lead poisoning can cause brain damage etc. so it is best to work in a
> ventilated area.

  Advice good.  Reasoning confused.  Cross-flow fan, windows open.

Chris Eddy wrote:

> In both cases, the datasheets stated that the fumes are known to cause
> occasional respiratory and eye irritation, which I have observed in
> our shop.  It also mentioned that unless the solder is ingested, which
> is unlikey, lead poisoning is not a risk.  Keep in mind, though, that
> the new pastes used in SMT can easily be spread on the hands and
> elsewhere.  I tend to be more careful with the paste for that reason.

  Sound.
--
  Cheers,
        Paul B.