The following
paragraph was extracted from OSHA's website (www.osha.gov)
"Lead
is used in the soldering process in the form of
lead/silver filler metals. When heated, lead oxide fumes
are formed. Excessive exposure to lead oxide fumes can
result in lead poisoning. Symptoms include loss of
appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation,
headache, abdominal cramps, nervousness, and insomnia.
Lead is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the lung,
stomach, or intestines and then enters the
bloodstream".
The
following is extracted directly from the warning label on
a roll of 60/40 rosin core solder.
"WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS LEAD AND MAY CONTAIN OTHER TOXIC
METALS OR CHEMICALS. Ingestion or inhalation of fumes or
particles released through processing could cause lead
poisoning or cancer. Absorption of lead is known to cause
birth defects and other reproductive harm and may result
for example in damage to the blood and neurological
systems. Use only with adequate ventilation. Use NIOSH
approved respiratory protection when necessary. Wash
thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking. Not for use
in portable water service systems. THIS PRODUCT ON FILE
WITH ROCKY MOUNTAIN POISON CONTROL CENTER".
OSHA
currently defines the exposure limit on "lead
inorganic fumes and dusts" to be .05 mg/m3 SOURCE: US
DOL/OSHA 5/23/2001. |
