Getting Started, Uncategorized
Vapor Masks vs. Fume Extractors: How to Solder Safely
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When I was first starting out, I knew that soldering vapors were bad news. But I didn’t know how to keep myself AND the rest of my household safe. If I used a mask and an open window, how long would the vapors hang in the air after I’d finished working? How long should I keep the mask on after I was finished? And, most importantly, what about my partner and my kitty? My mask wouldn’t help them.
So I did a BUNCH of research. And before we get to masks vs. fume extractors, I think it’s important to touch on what exactly it is you need to worry about. So just a couple things to think about…
It’s important to know that not all lead-free solders are created equal: Simply choosing lead-free solder isn’t enough! Some lead-free solders have antimony in them, which is a metalloid that can be irritating to lungs or even toxic under some conditions/type of exposure. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to look at the content of whichever solder you choose.Â
This is why I much prefer Silvergleem solder — it’s made from tin and silver. That’s it. It’s much safer than lead-free plumber’s solder that can have any number of things in it (like antimony or copper, which can change color on you later, as well as causing irritation for some people when worn).
Final say? Don’t buy lead-free solder from the plumbing department. There are healthier options out there. Yes, they’re more money — but they’re MUCH safer, and your finished jewelry will look nicer too. If you can’t find the metal content of a solder you’re considering, don’t use it.Â
Next, you’ll need to choose a good flux. Most of the fumes you risk inhaling will actually come from the flux. Some solders come with a rosin core to act in place of flux (rosin is basically a pine sap — a turpenoid). Rosin-core solders aren’t suitable for jewelry making, so you’ll need to choose a flux that you’ll apply with a brush before you add the solder.
Flux can give off fumes like zinc chloride, ammonium chloride, or even hydrochloric acid. These all have the potential to irritate your lungs, give you a massive headache that can last up to a few days, or worse. Read up on whichever flux you choose, and make sure you’ve got your air filtration on lockdown.Â
Safety flux doesn’t give off any of the nasties listed above (though it still releases compounds into the air). The liquid form of Safety Flux tends to burn off quickly. Personally, I prefer the longer working time of a paste or gel flux, instead. There are a few to choose from, but know that all of them will need good ventilation. That’s just something that comes with the territory — again, even for Safety Flux.
Once you’ve chosen a safe solder and flux, it’s time to choose a mask or other filtration system. Because the mask only protects you while you’re wearing it, I prefer to use a fume extractor, because it pulls vapors out of the air and traps them in a filter that’s made specifically for trapping harmful gases. Plus, you can keep it right next to your work area, so the vapors won’t even have a chance to hang out much.
For soldering, even if it’s lead-free soldering, you need a filter that’s made for gas and vapor. And be prepared: the finer the filter, the more expensive they get. But don’t give up your health to save a few bucks.Â
When choosing a mask or fume extractor, you have to go further than a basic particulate (dust) filter. The nasties that go airborne when you’re soldering do so in a gaseous form — and they are much, much finer than dust.Â
If you choose a mask, you want it to filter out the finest particulates possible. I really like Drager masks, but it doesn’t really matter too much as long as the filters you put in it are made to specifically trap the tiny molecules that suspend in gaseous form.
Here’s the one I like (click to see its current price on Amazon):
Choose the purple filters rated OV/AG/HF/FM/CD/AM/MA/HS/P100 (click to see current price on Amazon):Â
If you live alone, a mask is a fine choice. But I find them pretty uncomfortable — especially if I’m wearing one for more than 20 minutes. And that doesn’t even take into account the fact that particles can stay suspended in the air even after you take it off.
If you have pets, roommates or family members in the home, I would really recommend getting a fume extractor (or two!). They don’t cost much more than the masks, and they pull vapors from your workspace and catch them in a filter as you work. This means you won’t have to worry as much about particles sticking around in the air you and your loved ones are breathing after you’ve finished working.
I bought this one from Hakko:
Now. Here’s the deal. If you’re super into soft soldering jewelry, and you make a LOT of pieces (for selling at craft fairs, etc.), I would suggest saving up for a really good air purifier. HEPA filters work, but there are filters will trap even finer particulates. I myself am saving up for a Molekule right now, because it sports the finest filters I’ve found yet (particles down to .1 nanometers vs. the 300 nanometer limit of traditional HEPA filters). If you have found one that goes finer, please share in the comments below! 🙂
Yes, the Molekule is expensive. But I really, really like my health. Plus, it’ll be great to have when guests with asthma come to stay with us. I’ll feel much better with that kind of filter running in their room while they sleep.
In the end, make sure that no matter which kind of filtration units you use, you always read up on them to make sure you know how often to change the filters. If you don’t change the filter on time, it can render your filtration system useless. Set a date on the calendar, mark time used in a dedicated journal, or have Google send you a reminder.
I hope this article was super helpful in making the choice that’s right for you. Vapor masks, fume extractors and air purifiers are all great ways to protect your air and your health while soft soldering jewelry. Small price to pay for peace of mind, don’t you think?
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I like what you said about not giving up your health to save a few bucks. I imagine that the vapors that come from soldering are better avoided at all costs. My friend works in a welding and soldering workshop and I hope they have fume extractors that keep him safe!
Thanks so much — it means a lot to hear that. I feel like so many people don’t even think about it, but those vapors can be a big deal! I would assume your friend is quite safe — I know building inspectors watch out for all of that when they’re inspecting a new business. Don’t fret! 🙂
Soldering is a dangerous process and people must get to know about the importance of safety in such dangerous processes. Please keep updating content about such important things, it helps a lot of people in realizing how important safety can be!
Thank you so much for saying so! I completely agree. People forget that even if the solder is lead-free, there are still a lot of baddies that can cause issues for makers and their pets/families!