Are Soldering Fumes Dangerous?

Can you get lead poisoning from soldering? This video will explain if there are toxic fumes in solder smoke and describe some simple and economical ways to reduce the risk.
A solder fume extractor or solder smoke absorber is the best: amzn.to/2FbUc3M
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[@kenwilliams563]

I used to work for a large company, I complained to the health and safety person about the dangers of doing large amounts of soldering every day. The health and safety person went away to look into it, and came back and told me it was perfectly safe, but would not of course put it in writing. This was British Telecom around 1980. My solution was to never solder anything ever again.

[@jacobgaysawyer337]

good job man. your health is more important than your job. im a tig welder and no one in my shop is using any kind of breathing protection. then they dare to comment about my face mask haha. they are destroying their lungs and health. even informing them doesn't help. hehe

[@davidyoung8521]

Welders, in general, have a shorter life span. They have a much higher exposure rate than a hobbiest. They are also exposed to associated shield gases.

[@mitropoulosilias]

i was breathing soldering fumes, sometimes for hours. i always had some kind of dizziness after 2-3 hours! Now i just use a PC fan to suck the fumes and i have no problem!!

[@GaryDmedia]

+mitropoulosilias Good option. Much better than breathing in the fumes.

[@mitropoulosilias]

Simple Audio Tips yes sir, i hope that younger guys may realize that their health is the most value of all.

[@informediatech-bruno5766]

realy pc fan sucking that much?

[@wheelburnerz3602]

Well i was thinking ab the same way... Now i think im gonna use it too, thank you ;)

[@IBasilisvirus]

A FAN ITS NOT ENOUGH, YOU NEED TO EITHER BUY A PROPER FILTER OR USE A VETILATOR TO PUSH THE AIR OUTSIDE THE LAB!!!!

[@RelentlessLegacy2020]

Answer: yes. Reason why: chemicals. Solution: ventilation

[@air_]

So I can just solder outside with a mask on and not die?

[@GaryDmedia]

As long as you avoid breathing in the fumes Air_.

[@heinzguderian9980]

​@@air_ Only respirators will protect from hazardous chemicals. Basic masks don't do anything.

[@j_respect5948]

@@heinzguderian9980 ok thanks

[@EdwardTriesToScience]

Ideally you would do it in a fumehood, but you can use an ordinary tabletop fan to suck the fumes away and fan it out a window

[@arshdeepthind6820]

I use my lungs to filter the fumes.

[@GaryDmedia]

+Arshdeep Thind lol - many do.

:V

[@Bupcraft]

XD

[@goodun6081]

Gary Davies, I started casting my own fishing sinkers and lures out of lead at age 10, which was about the same age that I first started working on electronics and working with lead solder (and fixing burst pipes in our summer cottage that was unheated throughout the winter). If you squeezed me like a sponge you'd probably get rivets of liquid metal running out of me like the blonde b***h in Terminator 2, not to mention that I'm sure we broke a few of those little handgeld plastic maze toys with the ball of Mercury in them inside the house at one point or another. It doesn't seem to have affected me at all, my memory, command of the English language and my hand control are completely unaffect..e37nd7@%$&>?×f46....ed.....oh, now where was I ?

[@GaryDmedia]

HaHa! I don't think your the only one who has had major exposure over the years. Like a ticking time bomb. Hopefully it won't effect us at all. I have been involved in the construction industry for years and I wonder about a lot of the toxic products like asbestos. Thanks for your comment, stay healthy.

[@Leglesswonder183]

I solder a lot while working on my radio control hobby gear. It definitely helps to have a fan to circulate the air. I've found that when I've forgot to turn my fan on that I don't feel well afterwards. Great video and a very good reminder that no matter what we are soldering that we should be taking proper precautions.

[@GaryDmedia]

Well said! It took me a little longer to catch on. I soldered for years without good ventilation. Thanks for commenting and great to hear your experience.

[@E-Kat]

Omg, I hope it was a lead free solder! But even lead free, still it emits chemicals not usually present in the air! I hope you're well.

[@skorset7457]

Great work buddy you earned a new sub! BTW i love how you answer every comment even if its late. Keep going 👍

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate your support. I don’t get that many comments so it’s not too hard to keep up.

[@VoiceSriLanka]

For me the reaction is almost instant. I get severe headaches, worse bit my soldering area is too small and i don't use extractor, thanks for your tips.

[@GaryDmedia]

+VoiceSriLanka I appreciate you letting me know how it effects you. Thanks for commenting. As you can see from the comments a lot of others are effected badly as well.

[@rich1051414]

I get headaches from it too. Hits me only a couple hours after soldering if I didn't have a fan set up.

[@thegeek3295]

More likely you're having a reaction to the tree sap (rosin). Do you have allergies? Allergic to pollen? The concentration of lead is 10,000 lower than needed to be dangerous. Its too heavy and does not evaporate. The surface tension from the flowing solder pulls it all together, it does not float away into the air.

[@samfarias]

​@@thegeek3295 you're assuming what his rosin is made of--you dont know. There's plenty of other fillers and additives used that could be causing headaches and other buildups that may seem benign at first. And not just in the rosin. Also god knows where you pulled that lead stat from, because you're also assuming lead can't combine with other chemicals. Not to mentioned no one even mentioned lead in this short thread 😅my guy being macho isn't gonna save you. quite the opposite

[@gjpd]

Nice video. Very well explained. I repair cellphones and when microsoldering you really get close to the fumes. I knew it was toxic so I decided to purchase an extractor. Much better now! :)

[@GaryDmedia]

+Jorge Palacios Good decision to buy an extractor. I appreciate your comment considering you are someone who uses an iron all the time.

[@jennyjohnson5428]

Thanks for this. I worked around a lot of solderers, 2013 to 2015, & they all seemed to have respiratory problems, eczema, & psoriasis, so I wondered. I would like my kid to learn, but safely.

[@ejrocksKABOOM]

thanks. I was just soldering and breathed in the fumes (not to mention the rubber on the cord that accidentally burned that I also breathed in lol) and started to feel unwell. this helped cause I had no idea the fumes were bad for you. thanks!

[@GaryDmedia]

Appreciate your feedback. I think there are a lot of people who have been soldering and are unaware of why they get a headache. Work Safe!

[@CrazyDanishHacker]

The burned rubber will definitely make you feel unwell very fast and was likely the cause in your case. (It's a very unpleasant smell.)

[@TheSoapyJew]

Thanks friends. I really appreciate this safety video.

[@jorgevasquez-lz4be]

thanks great video very professional!!!!! i was soldering yesterday and today my eyes hurts an i had shortness of breath your tips are very important to us thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!! now you have a new subscribed!!!!!!!!

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks Jorge, stay safe.

[@lalitafaroli]

Great video. You explained it very well.

[@GaryDmedia]

Lalita Faroli Thanks so much. I appreciate you commenting.

[@johnlight-knight8060]

This is interesting to see, I was soldering some hours today. But I wasn't protecting myself from the fumes other than holding my breath or blowing air on the smoke.

[@GaryDmedia]

John I think most practice the same method as you but there are some real dangers over time it seems.

[@thegeek3295]

The facts are real but the concentrations are so low that its harmless. Dont stress, you'll be ok. Its just tree sap and the lead is too heavy so evaporate. Only the tiniest of tiniest particles will make it high enough to breath in. Enjoy your hobby and breath easy.

[@samfarias]

​@@thegeek3295 did you come to the comments just to push a bias? I hope you saw the video instead of just saying 'the facts are real'

[@rajua17]

The best awareness video in solder fumes injuries to health

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks Raju for your comment. Many people are unaware of the risks.

[@rpyt_7]

i have been doin this for so long without knowing that lead can be harmful ... after knowing this fact I was frightneed but your video made me happy and satistfied

[@uK8cvPAq]

I'm sold, time to buy one after I had a soldering fume related wake up call recently.

[@GaryDmedia]

+uK8cvPAq Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. I appreciate you making a comment.

[@honey78665]

I just started getting into soldering a week ago and was worried about fumes and this is the first video I watched. Thanks for the information. I'm on a budget so I'll probably build my own filter with a CPU fan and som carbon filter cloth lol. I hope that would be alright. :)

[@GaryDmedia]

I'm sure you will develop your soldering skill quickly with practice. Making a carbon filter extraction system is a great idea. Hope it goes well.

[@honey78665]

@@GaryDmedia Thank you! :)

[@RacistTimmy]

All I know is from my welding teacher that don't mess with lead, zinc, and a few other toxic metals. Soldering is sadly using lead but I saw a few ways to reduce the hazards by having a fan blow the smoke away from near you.

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes, good idea. Much better to do that than risk breathing it in.

[@samdasurfinman]

Great video! I've gotta get me one of those fans! No solder smoking...got it...

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks samdasurfinman appreciate your feedback.

[@MunishKumarCGI]

Great Information thanks for the video ❤

[@dandearman2871]

I really don't realize it when I do it but when I solder a connection, I take a deep breath and as I solder, I slowly exhale directing the air stream towards my soldering blowing the smoke away. Now that I'm much older the smoke seems to bother me a lot more than it did when I was younger so now, I work harder at not breathing any smoke at all.

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes many do the same thing. Good ventilation is the key. Stay safe Dan.

[@dipankarmondal7653]

Sir, thank you very much for your kind information

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

I definitely feel my asthma when I have been soldering, worse as I’m getting older. It’s a good reminder not that I use extraction as is noisy and annoying. I will have to think seriously about extraction. The fan is a good idea it at least dilutes the fume and exposure.

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes, even some cross ventilation is a real benefit. Sorry to hear your troubled with asthma, all the more reason for caution. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@allthegearnoidea6752]

Gary Davies it a great pleasure to watch your videos, you have quite a body of hard work and I share your audio interests.

[@gkolesnitsky]

I have a large "air conditioner" That is on wheels. I used it when moving houses but am thinking if setting up its inflow pipe to where I solder and using it as a fan. Then pointing it out of the window to get rid of all the fumes.

[@robertcartier5088]

So sad... I loved the smell of soldering! It had a certain nostalgic effect on me, taking me all the way back to high school, in the 70's, where I was first exposed to that sweet smell of technolgy! LOL

[@GaryDmedia]

+Robert Cartier Yes it has a certain familiar smell about it if you loved science and shop work at school. I know what you mean. Thanks for commenting.

[@billiepence7123]

Robert Cartier me too. I took 2-3 big wiffs and developed a serious migraine which occurs every 2 weeks. I can’t do anything about it anymore and have to live with this now. I hope I don’t have cancer.

[@Roleren]

The few times I solder without ventilation, small Arduino stuff without lead in it. I get a strange feeling in my head for 20 minutes, it goes away pretty fast. Don't think that is any more dangerous than passive smoking. Good tip is to not breath when the smoke comes up, at least you will breath a less concentration of it, but always open a window if you can.

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes, good advice. It is a must to have good ventilation in the room. Thank you for sharing your comment.

[@HappyDiscoDeath]

A few minutes ago, I just tested using a 3M heavy duty respirator (with 2097 filters) by melting some solder. The filters effectively prevented me from inhaling eau de solder fumes, and was around US $30 for he respirator frame and the filters, which came as a kit.

[@GaryDmedia]

That’s great Emily, just make sure you store the respirator in a sealed container like a zip lock bag when your not using it. You will extend its working life as it will continue to soak up odours in the air while your not using it. Also try to still have some fresh air coming into the room while your soldering.

[@funnyarc]

@@GaryDmedia Also note that active carbon (vapour filter) wears out after time of usage, may last 3-6 months, or longer? the particle filter will not though, unless damaged through various means, though it can become harder to breath as the particle filter becomes more full of particles... Just saying so someone doesn't like, use a active carbon filter, like, forever, even after the carbon filter is as good as useless. Also cleaning a respirator according to recommendations by 3M is a good idea, so fungi and pathogens can't grow in it, and it doesn't get dirty in way you can't get good positive and negative air pressure, especially with the breath and maybe snot getting to places inside with usage, cleaning with those pure dish soaps (no oils, parfums, coloring, etc, just non-ionic and anionic surfucants) at a temperature under 49°C, maybe dismantling the mask to better clean (be sure to correctly assemble the mask), you also can check for damages/tears too. 3M also recommends doing disinfection after cleaning, though i wonder if it's meant for hospitals where bacteria, viruses, etc can live that are resistant to heat and soap and dangerous enough you can't allow any to survive and spread to the yourself and the rest of the world, but perhaps some used material in the mask can be porous enough that bacteria hide in the material over time? Anyway, best do then i guess, just in case... Also warning, you Must Not clean the filters (the bare filters like 2135(P3), 2097(P100+active carbon), or the filters inside those with plastic shells), must Not be cleaned, Any cleaning of the particle filter and carbon filter Will damage them, reducing filter efficiency. Most that can be cleaned, if you were to use filters where filters are inside plastic shells, like for example 6035(P3)/7093(P100) filters, could carefully disinfect outside with 70% isopropyl without touching the filter inside.

[@GaryDmedia]

Good points, thanks for adding the details.

[@SebVEVO]

I'm also considering using my 3M for this coz, even in a well ventilated area, I just got an irritation in my nose and had to stop what I just started.

[@lamelane2762]

I own a 3m cartridge based respirator and I wanted to know what filters would work best for protection against fumes when soldering I know about proper ventilation but I’d like to avoid it as much as I can due to my asthma

[@GaryDmedia]

I carbon filled canister is best. It will absorb any toxic chemicals.

[@mouthfulofchlorine]

My main concern was lead fumes, so thank god for that. Still, I have a question: Alloys tend to have a lower melting/boiling points than the pure metals, so may the solder have a lower boiling point too?

[@GaryDmedia]

You are correct. Alloys, made up of two metals have a weak link so to speak. Solder is lead and tin inmost cases. It seems that as temperature rises the lead will boil first as it has a lower boiling point. Lead is about 1750 degrees and tin about 2600 degrees. As you see they are well above the working temperature of 450 degrees that you use to solder with. Even so, the fumes from many other additives that boil off at a lower temperature is the concern. Thanks for asking.

[@elus89]

@@GaryDmediaYou've made an error in how the fumes are created. The flux does not boil. It is a hydrocarbon so it burns when it is exposed to oxygen at the right temperature. That's why there are so many products that make up the fumes, that were not present in the liquid state. Those products have metabolized. Even below burn point many products will metabolize due to the unstable nature of hydrocarbons when exposed to atmospheric oxygen ions. That's why a wooden log doesn't melt, the gases that metabolize burn: Hydrogen (H2), Carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4).

[@sajolbhadra]

Working for my university project just curious about the fume. I use a exhaust fan to take the fume outside of my room

[@maxtornogood]

Interesting, I had always assumed it to be toxic because of the lead. Now I understand how toxic *FLUX* is!

[@eess.eess.4122]

Thanks Sir Great information 💗

[@andrewkwasek1214]

that explains why solder smokes so much the first time, but never afterwards.

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks for your comment.

[@adamp3988]

Having just bought a lead testing kit to test the filter on my dinky fume extractor, I can ABSOLUTELY confirm lead is getting in the air. Just because it doesn't *vaporize* doesn't mean it also won't aerosolize or turn into dust that you end up blowing around the room. At this point, I'm thinking that complaining about unleaded solder is like complaining about seatbelts being uncomfortable. (That and unleaded solder is getting much better; to the credit of the video, is better now than it *was* then).

[@GaryDmedia]

Great points Adam. Thanks for sharing your findings.

[@jackheinemann8780]

mate, we are literally talking about trace amounts of a metal that is widespread in the environment

[@radnukespeoplesminds]

@@jackheinemann8780 as much as I prefer using lead solder from a usability perspective, there is NO safe level of lead. There has never been any scientifically backed safe level of lead. Lead is NOT common in a natural enviornment, it is a heavily refined metal.

[@jackheinemann8780]

@@radnukespeoplesminds lead did not naturally occur at widespread low leavels in the emviroment, however they due to nearly a century of burning leaded fuels amongst other thingd, trace evels of lead and other heavy metals can be found in antartica. It is now widespread at very low levels, if you were born before the mid 80s, you had what is now considered dangerous levels of lead in your blood. It's funny I was actually doing some soldering today and thought of this video and comment section as the smoke wafted by my snout...and yes I held my breath

[@sentakatsuki]

@@jackheinemann8780 how long have you been soldering for? i'm afraid of lead poisoning from inhaling the fumes or dust getting on to stuff in my room because I don't have a specialised workshop or something like that. i sleep in this room. how big is the risk (using 60Sn 40Pb solder)?

[@Evangelion543]

Thank you so much!

[@neilbertg8143]

Really good video, thank you Sir

[@GaryDmedia]

I’m glad the video was helpful. Thanks Neilbert G.

[@torque6389]

Nice, helpful video!

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks Tevin, I’m glad the video was helpful.

[@hanana2793]

Hi, I've been soldering with baker's soldering fluid and rosin free solder the past two days, I only started using a protective mask and goggles in the last few hours - is that really bad? it also was all over my hands, I didn't use gloves either... i'm a bit nervous, as i've never soldered before and just went straight into it without thinking of my health haha..

[@GaryDmedia]

Hanan A, sadly we can't go back in time. Your best option is to work safe from now on. The good thing is that most damage is caused from exposure over a long period of time. You basically are only getting started. Take care.

[@Lowe0000]

Would a PM2.5 mouth mask work? I don't know much about the difference between different types of Facemasks. Could you recommend a cheap facemask I could use to protect myself? Thanks!

[@GaryDmedia]

Lowe, the PM 2.5 mask rating is for general air pollution and would be better than not having a mask on at all. In saying that you should always suck the smoke away from where you are working. Any mask should be viewed as a LAST line of defence. When choosing a mask if that’s your choice be sure to choose one that filters smoke particles.

[@M3LP]

Thank you, for your advice. Hey do you guys have an idea about the best way to solder pick ups in a guitar?

[@GaryDmedia]

I created a video on soldering a while back that will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6u4m3Z9jsyJlc0

[@garygullikson6349]

I was a leadman on an aerospace electronic assembly line working on intricate computer point to point wire soldering using 60/40 tin/lead rosin core solder and common soldering irons. Neither I, nor my soldering assembly workers ever complained of illness due to lead fume inhalation. Later on I was briefed on forthcoming PC board solder bath production techniques using lead free solders and fluxes. I do not use lead free solders and fluxes for my present day RC hobby connector soldering. Lead free solders require significantly more heat which can damage plastic connector bodies and is much harder to use in getting good solder flow connections.

[@dstuberbreakable551]

So, I was soldering in DT this morning and I have asthma, I was stood up whelst soldering and it went up my nose, my eyes began to water and now, 6 hours later my chest is very tight, any help?

[@GaryDmedia]

Best thing to do- Check with your doctor.

[@nsplayer1013]

I was dumb yesterday since I decided to solder in my kitchen and I felt drowsy after inhaling the smoke let off.😢

[@notdindin1914]

I just started soldering, and im fine no headache but after that like theres this smell that stuck in my nose(the solder maybe) and it just happen to me for the first time, am I gonna be alright, i dont have the extractor for the fume yet but im just wondering because its my first time soldering in my room

[@GaryDmedia]

You will be ok I’m sure. It is a bad smell and can stay with you for some time. More ventilation next time will be the fix.

[@pnwcruiser]

Good info...thanks!

[@GaryDmedia]

I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for the feedback.

[@hacklabdesign]

All of the fume extractor’s on Amazon say they only remove 80% and the other ones are honestly out of my price range. So I’m thinking about going to Harbor Freight buying a air mover with a tube and sucking on the toxic fumes out into my neighbors backyard.

[@GaryDmedia]

HaHa! Well that’s an alternative but I think you will find in practice an economical extraction fan is fine as long as you have good ventilation in the room.

[@1111winter4w]

Are there any effects for people who do it once in a blue moon? I think I breathed some in when I was working on replacing the battery for my dash cam. Longest I worked on it was for 30 min if not less. I did burn my finger from it tho :/

[@GaryDmedia]

+1111winter4w I think the most damage will be to your fingers not your lungs. Be careful.

[@alhodge4051]

nice work...thanks

[@GaryDmedia]

+Al Hodge Thanks for the feedback.

[@Jlang-es9lc]

Yesterday, I was soldering and my teacher didn't put this extractor on properly and me and my mates were soldering for a good 1 - 2 hours. We all smelt and inhaled the smoke and it was gross. At one point I had a coughing fit and my friend had one shortly after i mean we were bright red. We didn't think that much of it but then today I was cycling my bike and it felt like someone kept punching my chest. I had a coughing fit and i couldnt breath and my throat was almost burning. Whenever i try to take a large gulp of air my chest tightens and really hurts :(

[@Jlang-es9lc]

+Affirmative Negative we were also soldering circuit boards

[@GaryDmedia]

What a lesson to learn! We all have to look after our personal safety.

[@wtssmaller]

Affirmative Negative i had soldered in my room since i was 8 years old (now im 16 and it was probably around 0.5 to 1 time per month on average). Nobody told me that it was unhealthy and i didnt feel bad or anything, only one time i got headdache after an hour of breathing close to the steam

[@thelowmein9143]

So for the hobbyist, (I’m soldering model train rails together) who only solders a few hours a week, a simple fan to blow or suck the fumes away is sufficient?

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes that is the idea. An open window is recommended as well. Although if you have problems with Asthma or breathing problems there would be no substitute for a proper filter system.

[@MaximC]

Ehm, I guess, but that still would mean we are poisoning the air we breath... Best would be if we didn't use toxic materials at all, and/or did our best to filter them before letting it outside (and isolate used filters somewhere on Earth, or send them to space even, or something), just as we should do with any toxic waste.

[@uuyoubaan4uuyou829]

Wire​ wrap​ping​ is​ an​ alternative.

[@blanky1876]

I've been soldering for a few months, I never directly breathed it in, I would always put my shirt over my face or hold my breath and blow the smoke away until it was gone, then I would start breathing again. Do you think I could get sick, even if I actively practiced this habit? I am such a germaphobe I always worry if something is toxic or dangerous for me, so I never breathed it in, I may have one for a few seconds but not a whole lot.

[@GaryDmedia]

In most cases where people get sick it is because of long exposure to these toxic fumes. It is always a good idea to good idea to minimise your exposure to these fumes.

[@blanky1876]

@@GaryDmedia ahh ok, thanks.

[@Raven_of_Doom]

If you can smell it, you're breathing it. You're shirt wasn't doing anything.

[@EPiCxPS3]

You can find fume extractors for less than 20$ USD on ebay. I think it'd be a better idea than a fan since the fan doesn't filter the smoke if you're in a small area it might end up as bad.. Fume extractor actually filters the smoke

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes a very good point. Great tip. Thanks.

[@mharkonnen]

My gf came home one day, into the workroom and proclaimed "woah the house smells weird" - lol..... it was because of the copious amounts of flux i had been using on the board to replace a HDMI port. With no ventilation! Tonight after working for a few hours doing the same task on 2 boards i figure lets look into this. I find this whole thing disturbing now to be honest. Definitely have experienced the headaches whilst soldering, that cant be good. Its difficult because in an industrial situation you can understand the need for fume extraction. when you are seldom soldering for particular repairs its almost like in your mind "nah don't need it, don't do it enough to warrant it". Definitely starting to think the other way about this subject, going to get some kind of extractor setup. whats worrying is that upstairs in house completely stinks after the soldering, cant be good. I did wonder if an air-conditioning unit with the fan tube stuck out the window would be sufficient, you know just to get the air moving or "pulled" away such. Arguably even a desk fan, but i feel like that is just moving whatever already in the air around. do carbon scrubbers really remove the baddies in the flux fumes though? extraction seems the best option i think, with the air con or even a deskfan facing out a window lol.

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes carbon scrubbers or carbon filters definitely help instead of blowing it around the room. They must be replaced after a time because they become chocked with nasties.

[@brickfilms1954]

So can anyone recommend me any good fume extractors that are priced at under 40 bucks? I'm planning on doing some soldering myself but I don't know what brand of smoke extractor to get.

[@SoftBreadSoftware]

A window fan pointing out. A small fan, like an old PC fan pointing at the window fan.

[@ajgreen868]

Just buy a desk fan

[@richard1113]

Thanks for the video! I haven't soldered in a number of years but just recently bought an adjustable temperature iron and some 60/40 solder to go with it for an upcoming project. It's good advice not to inhale the fumes. This should be the same for any kind of industrial work. However, I have to say that I have never had any ill effects being described by the others from soldering in the past. Likely a combination of not inhaling the fumes, being in a generally open area and not soldering for hours on end.

[@GaryDmedia]

+Richard Forester Yes I have experienced the same as yourself. If you develop an allergic reaction to fumes it could be a major health issue. Great to hear your comments. Good to hear not all enthusiasts have had problems.

[@davidyoung8521]

Best condition is using a hood extractor vented to the outdoors or doing it outdoors.

[@BurstNibbler]

It's always the case the smoke drifts towards my face (think I saw a video about this) but I always have the window open and hold my breath when it blows towards me

[@ordinaryaverageguy76]

A link to the referenced fumes analysis would have been useful.

[@bricofast]

Thanks for the video 👌👌

[@GaryDmedia]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thanks for letting me know.

[@cchemmes-seeseeart3948]

I bought a cheap high velocity fan ($7) from the local home improvement store + extractor filters off Amazon ($13, instead of the expensive extractors available). I'm using wire ($2) to attach the filters to the fan, to make my own inexpensive extractor, which will blow away from me, toward a window. I'm setting up a work table right near a window, that I can also open for ventilation, with the filter extractor fan pointed toward this window. I'm using a 2nd fan (I already owned) in the window, pointing out, to extract the fumes more thoroughly as well, (to use as needed... when weather permits/ or for limited 'air clearing' bursts, etc). To isolate window air flow (& prevent air blowing in): I'm simply taping plastic from a roll between my window frame & onto the edge of my window, with slack, so when i open the window, the plastic will spread out to cover the area above the fan, to help channel the air the way I want it to go. Very inexpensive.... about $22 since I already have a roll of plastic & tape for it & 2nd fan. (This will help with all sculpture type art work I do that creates fumes as well).

[@tomsparks3259]

A material does not need to boil to have some of it evaporate. How this relates to lead and tin I don't really know, but it's worth thinking about.

[@ClassicalRomance]

ammm.. I instinctly don't breath-in but breath-out slow when the two comes in contact and starts to smoke and my face is 45 degrees to the soldering point.

[@GaryDmedia]

I found myself doing that too HaHa! One of the problems with that is, if you solder for an extended period your sense of smell reduces and you become unaware of the presence of the smell. Take care.

[@heroldhenry4257]

i was looking for the fumes produced by the larger welding device that give out bright sparks.. not this small one!

[@GaryDmedia]

+herold henry That would be cool to see!

[@ricardoricardo3232]

What do you mean by well ventilated area ? My room has no windows, lol.

[@shawn576]

I just wear a P100 mask. It won't stop organic gases but it does block particulates. It makes a huge difference.

[@tommybirchify]

I was just given a soldering iron as my first, do you think a big stand up fan would help to take away the fumes

[@GaryDmedia]

Great to hear you got a new iron, nice! You just have to suck away the fumes. Don't solder in a breeze, it will upset the soldering process. Have plenty of fresh air in the room.

[@isaacramirez3729]

I started working at a repair shop and me and the other technicians joke about being "chrome brain" from all the soldering we do

[@seaningram4434]

I use solder wick to clean the point on the circuit board before soldering. :)

[@GaryDmedia]

That’s a good practice Sean. Thanks for commenting.

[@cmal425]

Dang I solder a lot of stuff in my room and just ignored the smoke but didn’t think on that I’ve been breathing metal and chemicals

[@egemenozan5641]

Its not an immediate danger, people work with these stuff for years, daily. Dont worry for what has happened but do get an extractor and/or a mask

[@Ivar1231]

Very nice video.. Is it worth having a desk carbon activated fume extractor if the exhaust is not routed to the outside? Aren’t you still breathing in what’s coming out from the back of the extractor?

[@GaryDmedia]

Good question, the carbon filter is designed to soak up the toxins in the air as they are sucked through. It does become saturated after a while so the filter paper would have to be replaced. The filters will have instructions on this time frame.

[@Ivar1231]

Thank you for the video and the info, very good..... 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@gregkretchmer3588]

For electrical board work, there are several types of solder flux generally in use, organic and inorganic. Organic (rosin core) is the usual solder sold to hobby people, while inorganic is available from electronic parts houses if you ask for it. With inorganic, you have to wash the circuit board with water after soldering or the flux will cause the board to fail. With inorganic, the smoke is very bad and a fan is used to direct it away, but the result joint is much better than rosin. Rosin smoke is much less toxic, but a fan is cheap insurance. As to the metal used, lead types are much better to apply, the tin types don't form the gray toxic residue on your fingers that finds its way into your body during the day.

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks Greg for your great input. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@nowonmetube]

Wait what? Rosin is natural made from pine trees, what are you talking about?

[@GaryDmedia]

HaHa, yes Greg. That is sadly the truth. As you know, even a small charcoal fire in a confined space has been known to kill. Good ventilation and even better a filtered exhaust fan is the key.

[@gregkretchmer3588]

@@nowonmetube Yes, rosin core solder, pine trees and all that, makes solder stick to circuit boards. Its ok... til you try inorganic solder, which works lots better, its flowout is great, except don't breath the smoke.. at all. Its based on the old acid core solder used on pipes. You have to scrub the boards with water and soap to get the residue off or its eats the traces. Dry well before power up..

[@nowonmetube]

@@gregkretchmer3588 oh maybe I misread something yesterday, because now I can't find the issue.

[@sarahdaviscc]

Great video

[@GaryDmedia]

Sarah, glad the video was helpful. I appreciate the feedback.

[@brennangrego2679]

so I'm not gonna die from breathing them in like once right? lol

[@GaryDmedia]

+Brennan Grego No, I think about it in the same way passive smoking is bad for your health, solder smoke is toxic as well.

[@CrazyDanishHacker]

No you're not going to die and almost definitely (like 99.99999% sure of) not suffer any consequences in the future. I was soldering a lot with something ridiculous that gave my classmates and I major headaches like 15 years ago. We even had fume extractors that worked alright back then, but I still remember it was like painting with lead paint. (That kind of headache.) The 60/40 solder that I also use in my videos does not give me headaches, but I also avoid inhaling the vapour directly, and last but not least, I only solder on rare occasion. If you solder a lot, then I would say it's almost required to get a fan or fume extractor. You can also get lead-free solder, even though it's harder to use and the vapour may actually be more toxic. Anyway, think of this as going to the dentist and getting an x-ray done. You getting an x-ray done once every six months or less, is not a problem. However, your dentist may be taking 100 x-rays per month, so that's why they exit the room to minimize risks associated with x-rays. If you ventilate the room and make sure to take breaks while soldering, and also avoid inhaling the vapour directly, then you'll be fine even if you continue to solder every once in a while. (If you do happen to inhale it, then try to avoid any deep inhales. But as I said, don't worry too much about it unless you sit and intentionally inhale the vapour several hours a day.)

[@rahulmaurya3886]

M not dead 10 times of 1 time sooooooo XDXDXD

[@bilianab.7791]

What if i forgot to wash my hands afterwards and then ate , am i going to die? Help :v

[@billiepence7123]

Brennan Grego you won’t die. But you will develop a serious problem which will appear later. All it takes is one big whiff. It’s like planting a seed.

[@omermagen824]

I want to use soldering wire as my source of metal for hobby miniature craft. I though that the use of lead in solder was forbidden! I had some wire but there was no label on it and I played with it a little bit. Now I went to buy more solder and the only type they had in the store was tin/lead. Any alternative low-melting metals or alloys anyone can recommend for crafts? I tried bismuth, it is an excellent metal, rather strong, but also expansive. Than there is pure tin, indium and pewter. all of those are great but I can't find any in local metal supplies and buying them via internet shops is expansive due to shipping cost.

[@GaryDmedia]

+Omer Magen Sorry for the late reply. You should not use solder as wire unless it is on a circuit board. There are some alternatives to lead solder but difficult to use. With the recommended precautions there is little risk of lead exposure and if you want to wear thin cotton gloves so you don't have to handle it, that would lower the risk even more. Hope that helps.

[@MelonPower]

I don't solder that much but If I do I'am just in my roof with the smoke in my face, Thx for making this video now I know that I have to take precautions , does a mask (like they use in the hospital) help?

[@GaryDmedia]

Good to hear that the video was of help Tijl. No the mask they use in hospital would not be enough although it would be better than nothing. If you use a mask it should be a carbon filter mask. These filter and absorb the toxins in the air.

[@oscardadula4696]

Newbie*, I bought a new soldering iron, after a few seconds, the body began to smoke a lot, and some oil/moist seen on the body, I unplugged it cuz I was worried. Is it normal? Does it go away?

[@GaryDmedia]

Oscar, definitely not. I think it may be best to inquire about a replacement.

[@oscardadula4696]

@@GaryDmedia cuz some say that it usually smokes when it's new, but I'd rather listen to you, thanks

[@grandwonder5858]

I'm thinking about using a 100% leaded wire to solder some treble hooks to add weight to them so that when I attached them to my fishing lures they would make my fishing lures sink a little to get them to suspend at the depth that I want. Do you think it is safe to solder pure leaded wires?

[@GaryDmedia]

Definitely safe to do with the same precautions as normal soldering. Lower the risk of exposure with good ventilation or fume extraction.

[@grandwonder5858]

@@GaryDmedia Thank you very much Gary for answering my question!

[@canonest]

no one told me that some aspirators had replaceable carbon filters that costs a few bucks. I don't solder as much as I used to but I have 10 of them working in tandem with 12cm pc fans all around me when I do now

[@wheelburnerz3602]

So when im soldering, i always solder close to an open window, and when im doing the soldering, i do not breathe. I do not breath because: 1- if i dont breathe, my hands are more precise 2- i dont breath the smoke in. If i breathe, i always first breath outh the get the smoke away from my face. And i wash my hand 2 times after it. Is that good?

[@GaryDmedia]

I am sure many people do the same. Ventilation is the key. If you are worried, use a fan like the one shown in the video. Just make sure the fumes are blown out of the room.

[@glenmartin2437]

If it is not air, do not breath it. If it is not water, do not bathe in it. Good advice from an old chemist. Studies have been done, that indicate that about 20 % of workers soldering become sensitized to the fumes and develop asthma like symptoms. This has been referred to as solvent sensitization. A number of my fellow chemist are sensitive to certain organic solvents. It is serious enough that hospitalization may be needed. I used a fume hood in the laboratories where I worked to good effect. At home, I go outside. Not always comfortable, but it works.

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks Glen, I appreciate you taking the time to add your comment.

[@armani1326]

I soldered on and off for a week, maybe 2 hours each day. I was new at it, I had an open window and a mask on. I could still smell the flux when I applied the iron at max temp - supposedly 480 celsius / 896 f...Is it bad? I don't solder often.

[@GaryDmedia]

Like any cumulative toxin, it is exposure over and extended period of time that is danger. Even so, minimising any exposure is important. Stay safe.

[@armani1326]

@@GaryDmedia Thank you for the reply, I don't think I will be soldering much in the future haha. I just wanted to recap a motherboard for a little experience. I was successful but after many attempts.

[@GaryDmedia]

It's good experience doing your own projects. Take care.

[@fabriperformance]

I breathed that in and my flat now smell bad although I opened tge Windows for over 30min is it still poisonous?

[@GaryDmedia]

Fabri, 30 min of ventilation should be more than enough. Even cooking smells can hang around for a long time. Our noses are very sensitive.

[@ar12.]

Me when I solder at school not a lot of ventilation about 12 soldering irons theirs no sucking fans or filters in the room despite this being an expensive private school

[@GaryDmedia]

There should be good ventilation in large class rooms. If you think it is a problem it may be good to sit near a window. You can always bring up the issue of ventilation in the classroom with your teacher. Take care.

[@unknowndomain]

Gary, well done for bringing this up, you might want to do a follow up as those 'expensive' solder extractors you mention are completely ineffective as too is blowing the fumes into the room, you might be okay for a very occasional project, but generally people should use a HEPA filter extractor, and then unfortunately we're talking 10x more money... While this sucks, people have been tricked for years thinking the old solder and blowing technique of a cheap fume diffuser will work.

[@GaryDmedia]

Very good point Tom. Much better to capture or evacuate the toxic fumes and not simply blow them around the room.

[@gerardomartinez3920]

Wait with the use of a fan alone does the fume stay in the air near the user?

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes it can do if you don’t have good ventilation in the room. This is why a fan with a carbon filter is much better.

[@Jimmeh_B]

I'm in the process of building a high flow carbon filter for my workbench at the moment. Mostly, I want it with enough flow to draw cigarette smoke away to stop it burning my eyes while soldering. I've been soldering since I was 8 as a hobbyist (30 years) I have all the bad habits you can imagine including, on occasion, holding the solder in my teeth when that bastard wire won't sit on the land pad (hate them little buggers). I used to worry about these things. A couple of years ago I quit my job, working as an electroplater. For curiosity, and just to make sure I hadn't been poisoned by my prick of a boss, I went and had a blood test for all heavy metals but especially lead and hexavalent chromium. I had worked there for just over 12 months. Test came back all clear. ZERO detectable heavy metals. I don't see all of these ill effects the medical industry bangs on about. I don't think it's ALL scare mongering and propaganda but I do think it is all talked up. As an example, a couple of years back it made it to the 6pm news that "common table salt" was the main contributor in some 40 odd percent of heart attacks, but that didn't change the statistics for heart attacks from cigarettes. I'm building one for comfort and I would advise anyone to do the same if I was asked, but while the government is pushing for more diesel powered passenger cars on the road and reports of car manufacturing like VW fudging emissions reports, I'm not overly worried about cancer and disease in general because mostly it's outside of my control. Are you aware that fine particulates from deisel combustion were considered the NO.1 cause of cancer not that long ago? The list has been updated, but it's still in the top ten, possibly even the top five, I haven't looked recently. All that aside, statistically, the biggest known cause of death to mankind, is life itself. That's my own observation. You only have one life and it is short, so go live it. A wise man once said to me "Everything in moderation, including moderation", I try to live by that now.

[@GaryDmedia]

+Jimmeh B Yes I can only agree with you on the fact that life can be dangerous. Good to hear your building a high flow carbon filter. I would be interested to hear how it goes. Thanks so much for your comments. I appreciate it.

[@badreality2]

It only contains flux, if out has a rosin core.

[@olagarto1917]

What about solid metal particulates in the smoke ? Like not gas

[@MedSou]

*Thank you* 👍👍👍👍👍

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@mr.spooky6134]

I soldered like 3 time over the pass few month, am I gonna be in danger? or I'll be completely fine? first solder done 6 months ago, another two solders was done today and yesterday. I avoided smoking in the white smoke but I can still smell something funny.

[@GaryDmedia]

Most people are not effected by a few exposures. The problem is with long term exposure. Like the problem with passive smoking.

[@mr.spooky6134]

@@GaryDmedia but I have a question, which is more harmful? cigarette smoke or soldering fumes?

[@GaryDmedia]

I couldn't tell you that. Sorry.

[@e-logic1877]

Thanks

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks for letting me know. 👍

[@Newb1eYou_]

4:20 i often have eye and nose irritation when i solder

[@GaryDmedia]

That's not good. You must have developed a sensitive to it. Take care. Your body is telling you something.

[@Jonnynot1plate]

Would using a dust mask be sufficient or should a most serious mask be used? I will also be using a fan but can never be too careful.

[@GaryDmedia]

Good ventilation is best, and of course if you really wanted protection because a respiratory problem you could use a mask but it must be a toxic chemical mask and not just a paper dust mask.

[@Jonnynot1plate]

@@GaryDmedia thank you sure. I will have fan and filter but will also buy a mask. Can you recommend any brand? I was looking at 3M Half facepiece respiratory mask on amazon but dont know if that will be enough.

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes this 3m mask would be the minimum to reduce any chemical inhalation. amzn.to/2T9NEZV

[@impactodelsurenterprise2440]

I love the smell of burning flux and solder fumes.

[@mr.snappypaws9943]

Thank god I wear gloves and a breathing mask and I was very good on the washing hands but I need to wear safety glasses

[@GaryDmedia]

+Mr.snappypaws Safety glasses add the protection from any hot solder spatter. They won't protect from smoke unless they are sealed. Thanks so much for your comment. Sounds like you work safely already.

[@goomagames]

Is there a DIY solution that can be done for an at home soldering station? Doing some work at home, will a window with a fan be enough?

[@GaryDmedia]

Madeline, The key thing is to have fresh air and remove fumes from your workspace.

[@goomagames]

@@GaryDmedia Do you have any recommended fans for this? Maybe one to push the fumes and one to pull them out the window?

[@GaryDmedia]

No I don't Madeline. Even a simple household fan would be helpful.

[@bitelaserkhalif]

I always blew the fumes for that reason If too much entered my lung it doesn't play nice

[@GaryDmedia]

Yes I agree totally.

[@sumitpandit6878]

How can we prevent..?

[@GaryDmedia]

Thanks for your comment, I’m happy to answer your questions.

[@itsjimineutron2046]

I solder everyday at least 2 hours and never used a fume extractor but i never had head ache

[@GaryDmedia]

+Lorenz Louise Punzalan good to hear you haven't been effected yet. If you have very good ventilation it shouldn't be a problem.

[@itsjimineutron2046]

+Simple Audio Tips Thank you sir and im heading to the store to buy cheap fume extractor

[@GaryDmedia]

+Lorenz Louise Punzalan Good decision.

[@itsjimineutron2046]

+Simple Audio Tips yea thanks and now my head is aching

[@kenbomant2072]

Tks Gary. Many substances are gasses &/or evaporate substantially below their boiling point. eg. water vapour/clouds. (even at 10degC, I can use a fan to speed dry my damp clothes) (I think it is just that above boiling point, the substance cannot exit as a liquid anymore. Hence, boiling water cannot be >100degC @ std pressure) (& even though the steam rapidly cools down, it remains a vapour). So there may be lead & tin in the fumes?? [ PS: An insane thought: A fan may slightly? increase evaporation / toxic vapors?, but at least they won't be going into our body!! :) :) :) haha

[@GaryDmedia]

Ken, that is a really good observation, thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to add your comment.