WORKPLACE EXPOSURE TO ROSIN-BASED SOLDER FLUX FUME DURING HAND SOLDERING

The patterns and extent of exposure to rosin based solder flux fume ha ve been investigated in two surveys and a number of individual site vi sits carried out by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Determin ation of solder fume was by measurement of airborne resin acid particu late, Both static and personal sampling was carried out over time peri ods ranging from 15 minutes to several hours. Resin acid concentration s were found to vary from less than 1 mu g m(-3) to 2289 mu g m(-3), T he effects of various types of local exhaust ventilation on resin acid concentrations have been observed. On-tool tip extraction systems wer e generally found to be the best control measure available; however go od design, positioning and system maintenance is essential for efficie nt capture of the fume. The resin acid concentrations detected at thes e twenty-six sites suggest that the proposed British long and short te rm occupational exposure limits are realistically attainable targets, particularly where good working practices and/or effective fume contro l measures are in place. (C) 1998 British Occupational Hygiene Society . Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.