Posted by Angel on July 21, 2002 at 23:33:06:
In Reply to: Fume mask posted by Tom Williamsen on July 21, 2002 at 20:33:45:
Tom, you won't find many hobbyists using masks and probably fewer professionals. You're in no danger from LEAD fumes because Lead will not vaporize at soldering temperatures.
The BEST protection you can have against FLUX fumes is to first, use a good flux that produces NO VISIBLE fuming (which doesn't mean there are no fumes....just minimal) like Classic 100 Gel or Glastar fluxes. Stay away from some of the liquid fluxes like Ruby which are god-awful and will EAT your sinuses.
After that, you need an exhaust system to pull fumes out. Best that it's vented to the outside. Fume traps don't work very well but are better than nothing. Best is a vent hood...with outside venting that you can work under or possibly a vent-fan in a wall. Some people use fans that blow fumes away from the area, but these often cool off the solder and cause problems. This is the least efficient method. A fan that PULLS fumes out of a window or door would be better.
Respirator masks are clumsy and restrict your vision. Soldering is tough enough in the beginning without being hindered by a mask.
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: What is the best fume mask I can use while soldering?