What are some warning signs?Once asthma has developed, evensmall exposures to rosin-core solderfumes or other chemicals can lead toasthma attacks. These attacks canoccur instantly or be delayed forseveral hours. When fully developed,this health condition is irreversible.

Early symptoms of fume exposure caninclude:M watering, irritated eyesM runny or stuffy noseM sore throatM coughing, wheezing, chest

tightness, and breathlessness

These symptoms are not normal. If you have any ofthese symptoms when you're exposed to rosin-coresolder fume, tell your employer and your doctor. Youremployer can ensure that exposure controls are in placeand effective, and your doctor can treat your asthma.

Who can be affected?Workers performing the following tasks andprocesses are potentially exposed to rosin-coresolder flux fumes:M electronic and electrical assembly and

reworkM repair of telecommunications equipment,

HVAC units, and domestic appliancesM desoldering (common in recycling)

How can exposure to rosin-coresolder fumes be controlled?The best way to control exposure to solder fluxfumes, as well as lead fumes, is to use a localexhaust ventilation (LEV) system. An LEV systemworks like a vacuum cleaner to suck in fumes atthe point where they are created, and exhaust thefumes to the outside or through a special filtrationsystem. Various types of LEV systems forsoldering are available, including a hood on aflexible duct, an extractor built into the tip of thesoldering iron, and a ventilated cabinet in which thesoldering is performed. When used correctly, an

An assembly line worker began having breathingproblems while working at a scientific lampmanufacturing plant. She used rosin-core solder toconnect wires to the lamps. Although there was a localexhaust ventilation system, it was not being used properlyand the solder fumes were inhaled by the worker. Thisworker was diagnosed with work-related asthma. Sheand the other solderers were trained to use the ventilationsystem correctly to prevent breathing in the fumes. Herasthma attacks have stopped since she was no longerexposed to the solder flux fumes.

Here is what happened to one solderer:

Confirm that the ventilation systemis turned on and working properly.

Use soldering irons at the lowesttemperature possible for anacceptable joint.

TIPS

What is rosin-core solder?Rosin-core solder is commonly used by workersin many industries to make electrical connections.It is a wire product that is manufactured fromtin/lead or tin/antimony alloy, with rosin-based fluxmaking up the inside core of the wire. Soldering isaccomplished by heatingthe two items to beconnected with asoldering iron, andtouching the heatedpoints with thesolder, which melts,flows, and solidifies to forma permanent connection. Thepurpose of the rosin flux is to preventoxidation and ensure a secure bond.

Why is rosin-core solderconsidered a health hazard?When rosin-core solder wire is heated by asoldering iron, fumes are produced that containvarious chemicals. Inhalation of these solder fluxfumes can cause asthma or aggravate existingasthma, unless measures are taken to preventexposure. The fumes can also cause irritation ofthe upper respiratory tract and the eyes, and skincontact with rosin flux can cause dermatitis. Thehighest risk of exposure to fumes occurs duringhand soldering, because the solderer’s head islikely to be near or in the path of the fumes risingfrom the soldering iron. Co-workers in the vicinityof uncontrolled rosin flux fumes may also be atrisk of exposure.

The New Jersey Work-Related Asthma Surveillanceand Intervention Project has identified 11 workers(1990-2008) who have developed work-relatedasthma as a result of exposure to rosin flux fumes.

solder

rosin

Heather HowardCommissioner

Jon S. CorzineGovernor

How can I get more information?NJ Department of Health & Senior ServicesOccupational Health Surveillance ProgramPO Box 360Trenton, NJ 08625-0360Phone: (609) 984-1863Fax: (609) 292-5677Internet: www.nj.gov/health/surv

Asthma andRosin-Core Solder

What You Needto Know

Public Health Services BranchDivision of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational HealthOccupational Health ServiceOccupational Health Surveillance Program

Protectyour lungs now!

Avoid breathing problemsfor the rest of your life.

The local exhaust ventilationis removing the fumes at thesource.

Although working, the localexhaust ventilation is incorrectlyplaced, leaving the workerexposed to the solder fumes.

GOOD

BAD

LEV system will effectively prevent the inhalationof solder flux fumes (See diagram below).

A small fan directed at the workpiece can reducefume exposure, but is less effective than an LEVsystem because the fumes are not removed fromthe workroom air.