Rosin based solder flux fume is produced when soldering. This fume is a top cause of occupational asthma.
It affects workers in the electronics and assembly industries.
See COSHH Essentials - Publication (PDF) [1] for detailed advice on control.
Top tips
- Do you have to use flux containing rosin? There are other fluxing agents available
- Never overheat the soldering iron
- Use fume extraction
- Keep your head out of the plume of solder fume
- You need regular health surveillance[2]
Reduce disease - reduce exposure to rosin based solder flux fume
Fume extraction - a soldering booth is best. On-tip extraction blocks up swiftly and needs frequent cleaning. Bench-mounted boxes are of limited use unless fitted with a HEPA filter.
Maintain the fume extraction system regularly.
Guidance specific to welders[3] is also available.
Case study
These case studies are all real incidents with real and often serious long-term consequences for the people involved.
Further information
More general advice for employers[6]
You can find more guidance and information for solderers on the Asthma publications - soldiers[7] pages.