Lead Soldering & Occupational Exposure

Lead soldering---the process where lead is heated to melting point and used to repair, reconnect or re-solder pipes, metal surfaces, electronics and even stained-glass windows---can pose health risks. Lead solder is actually an amalgam of lead and tin, both toxic metals to some extent.

Overall Risks

• The biggest risk in occupational exposure to lead soldering is from breathing in fumes from the molten lead or breathing in lead dust from working with lead, according to "The Lead Group," a lead advice and support group.

Plumbing Risks

• Lead solder used on pipe joints that supply drinking water pipes can contaminate the water with lead, sometimes on a long-term basis, according to the "Drinking Water Inspectorate" website on health risks from lead solder.

Electronics

• The main risk with the lead solder used in electronics work is breathing in lead fumes, made worse by the need to "work close" with most electronics. Strong ventilation and turning the head off to one side of the soldering reduces the risk.

Leadlighting and Stained Glass

• Stained glass is created by joining glass pieces together in a lead framework via a soldering process known as "leadlighting." "Lead Calme" strips (90% pure lead) and lead solder (40 to 60% lead) are used to solder stained glass and cause fume or dust lead contamination if breathed in, according to "The Lead Group."

Protective Gear

• To diminish risk, "The Lead Group" advises that work spaces be well-ventilated. Gloves, a mask and "dedicated" clothing for the workplace area should be worn; work clothing should be washed separately from regular laundry.