[Dracule1]

Now that I ordered a soldering station based on yuze guys's advices, I think I need to protect my lungs.  I think there are air charcoal filtering devices for this.   Anyone using anything like this to prevent breathing in solder fumes?  Any suggestions on where to get something like this?  Thanks.

[srb]

I don't have one, but I know someone who has the Edysn Atmoscope Fuminator.
 
http://www.all-spec.com/products/Edsyn/Soldering_and_Rework%7CSoldering_Related_Equipment%7CSOL-01/FXF11.html
 
Steve

[bregez]

I have been thinking about this also, but don't want to spend $80.00.  So I was thinking about putting together a 2x2 array of 80mm standard computer fans, and fabricating a filter using aquarium activated carbon media roll.  Has anybody tried something similar?  Are there any more economical solutions?

[Dracule1]

Thanks Steve for the link.  However, I wish there is more info on the product such as how much of the fume will it absorb and what particulate size does it filter? I would think there should be some sort of certification that these type of products must have.

[Æ]

Now that I ordered a soldering station based on yuze guys's advices, I think I need to protect my lungs.  I think there are air charcoal filtering devices for this.   Anyone using anything like this to prevent breathing in solder fumes?  Any suggestions on where to get something like this?  Thanks.

I hold my breath.

Actually, I use a small fan and I have a light dimmer module that I can plug the fan into, to reduce the speed of the fan.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Granted, anything going in your lungs beside air is bad, but I would assume that using lead free solder would help decrease the "bad for you" health factor.

Bob

[srb]

Granted, anything going in your lungs beside air is bad, but I would assume that using lead free solder would help decrease the "bad for you" health factor.

The Invisible Enemy
 
Steve

[Dracule1]

It's not just the lead in solder that is harmful.  I know some people with chronic respiratory problems who had to stop soldering (lead free soldering included).

[AVnerdguy]

I have been thinking about this also, but don't want to spend $80.00.  So I was thinking about putting together a 2x2 array of 80mm standard computer fans, and fabricating a filter using aquarium activated carbon media roll.  Has anybody tried something similar?  Are there any more economical solutions?

Exactly what I've been doing for the past 20 years. Before that....don't want to think about it. I also do not solder when others are around and usually in the garage workshop so I can air the space out quickly. Mount the fans on an adjustable bracket (one of those things with all the alligator clips on movable arms). I think the lead free solder is far more of an irritant than the lead free was but I can't say it's as harmful long term.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I (think) I stand corrected, thanks Steve. I can't open a .pdf, but based on the title, I get the idea.
Yea, anything that's melting and creating "off gasses" would be bad to breathe.

Bob

[srb]

I can't open a .pdf, but based on the title, I get the idea.

The gist was the fumes from lead-free soldering are actually more dangerous than lead soldering.
 
But I'm more curious about not being able to open PDFs.  PDFs are one of the food groups of an avid DIY hobbyist diet.  What's that all about?
 
Steve

[Bob in St. Louis]

  New (used, and recently formatted) PC I'm on. Too lazy to download the freeware "Open Office' to have that ability.
PC woes have kicked my butt recently, to say the least. Too long of a story to whine about here. That's the subject of another thread.

But it's very interesting that lead free solder is worse than lead. 

Bob

[Red Dragon Audio]

http://www.sentryair.com/products.htm

[TrungT]

Bench-Top ESD Safe Smoke Absorber
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/bk486.html

[BobM]

Just a basic low powered fan blowing across the workspace.

[srb]

Bench-Top ESD Safe Smoke Absorber
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/bk486.html

This one, at $28, is certainly Cheap and Cheerful.  Although Edsyn says their Atmoscope Fuminator's rotating filter is 8 times more effective than a stationary filter, neither gives any specs on particulate removal.
 

http://www.sentryair.com/products.htm

Sentry Air Systems smallest benchtop model, the SS-100-SS gives filter specs (99.97% efficient on particles 0.3 microns and larger with HEPA filter, 95% efficient on particles 0.5 microns and larger with ASHRAE filter).  Although this one seems very serious, you have to request a quote for price, so I would imagine it is expensive !
 
Steve

[jtwrace]

or just solder in a somewhat well vetilated place and be done with it.  Use Lead Free solder and have fun.  Unless you will be soldering for 8 hrs a day in a closet I don't see a problem.  I've been to many places including Vishay and they do not have soldering exhuast systems over their soldering stations where people solder all day long. 

[srb]

I've been to many places including Vishay and they do not have soldering exhuast systems over their soldering stations where people solder all day long.

That's just freakin' nuts!
 
Steve

[Dracule1]

The Sentry stuff are very expensive.  The cheapest one is $400.

[Bob in St. Louis]

You should be able to download/use ADOBE Reader for your PDF needs.

http://www.adobe.com/downloads/

Thank you very much!

Bob