[sdiy] Resisting UberDIY--"deadly" solder

[Dave Magnuson]

I always use lead-based solder, and also recently had my lead level
checked.  Everything was ok after 10 years of DIY.  I always wash my hands
and never eat, etc while soldering.  Doctors begin being concerned when
lead levels are above 20ppm... after 10 years of soldering and a lifetime
of lead-paint filled homes I have a level of 3ppm.  Most of my lead build
up is probably from lead paint dust (easier to absorb than solder)

I just plan to check my lead level every 2 or 3 years... it's cheap, and
made me feel much more comfortable continuing with lead-based solder.  If
it ever rises above 5 or 6ppm I'll change to lead-free solder.

Dave




At 11:41 AM 9/21/02 -0700, John Blacet wrote:
>Now don't be scaring everyone needlessly!
>
>Truth is lead is not something you want accumulating in your body. But
>it takes a lot of long term exposure to cause problems. Solder is
>metallic lead, not especially soluble or easy to absorb into the body.
>Most real problems come from lead compounds.
>
>I advise folks to wash their hands after handing solder and before
>eating or smoking. Wash your face too as people have a tendency to
>scratch, touch, etc their faces.
>
>I recently had a lead test. Despite decades of "heavy hobbyist" solder
>use, the results were negative.
>
>--
>Regards,
>--/////--
>John Blacet
>Blacet Research
>http://www.blacet.com
>
>

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