Soldering = Headache?

eveares · 12 Dec 2015

The other day I was doing quite a lot of soldering (with lead based solder

) in my Kitchen (Making up audio cables) and I noticed that I got a headache towards the end of it.

Is this normal? Next time I might think to turn the extractor hood on, as it was near to where I was soldering.

securespark · 12 Dec 2015

Always a good idea to have adequate ventilation when doing anything that creates fumes.

Sure it's lead solder? Unless it is ancient, it's more likely to be lead-free these days.

EFLImpudence · 12 Dec 2015

http://www.screwfix.com/p/fernox-solder-wire-tin-lead-500g/75936

flameport · 12 Dec 2015

Lead solder is only toxic if you are intending to eat it.

Flux fumes are often toxic and should not be inhaled.

skenk · 12 Dec 2015

flameport said:
Lead solder is only toxic if you are intending to eat it.

Not according to the HSE http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg305.pdf

(or google in general.... or plumbing regs about working with lead...etc)

eveares · 12 Dec 2015

securespark said:
Sure it's lead solder?

Yes, it's this stuff: http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p81552?table=no

And the flux I used was this stuff: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/rosin-flux-dispensing-pen-n65aa

jj4091 · 12 Dec 2015

Either fumes from the flux or headache caused by keeping your neck in one position for a long period more likely.

skenk · 12 Dec 2015

... or fumes from the molten lead

martinxxxxxx · 12 Dec 2015

Why are you making audio leads up with plumbing solder?

eveares · 12 Dec 2015

martinxxxxxx said:
Why are you making audio leads up with plumbing solder?

Since when has 60% Tin/40% Lead solder been for plumbing? Also I doubt plumbers very often use 1mm diameter solder. The solder as linked is sold under "Electricians Tools" at toolstation also.

Most solder has historically has had lead in it up until about 20 years ago due to the lead lowers the melting point of the solder.

I guess my headache was from using excessive flux when coating the wires before tining them.

Spark123 · 12 Dec 2015

I've only used solder with flux in/on it for electrical stuff, no need for additional flux.

flameport · 12 Dec 2015

eveares said:
The solder as linked is sold under "Electricians Tools" at toolstation also.

That explains the problems - the solder has the word 'Silverline' on the roll.

PBC_1966 · 12 Dec 2015

Spark123 said:
I've only used solder with flux in/on it for electrical stuff, no need for additional flux.

Ditto. For regular electronics work it's by far easiest just to use rosin-cored 60/40 solder. So long as you make sure everything is clean before starting, the flux within it should be perfectly adequate.

JohnD · 12 Dec 2015

Lead is a poison which damages the brain and nervous system. Unusually among poisons, there is no dose small enough to be considered non-harmful. It accumulates in the body. It is especially harmful to babies and children, as it reduces intelligence permanently, and is also associated with behavioural problems and criminality in later life.

I knew an older plumber who had to retire early with early-onset dementia. He deteriorated very quickly and within two years went from running his own business to being unfit to boil a kettle or find his way home from the end of his road. The hospital diagnosed brain damage from working with lead.