Solderer - common causes of asthma

Rosin based solder flux fume is produced when soldering. This fume is a top cause of occupational asthma.

It affects workers in the electronics and assembly industries.

See COSHH Essentials for detailed advice on control.

Top tips

• Do you have to use flux containing rosin? There are other fluxing agents available
• Never overheat the soldering iron
• Use fume extraction
• Keep your head out of the plume of solder fume
• You need regular health surveillance

Reduce disease - reduce exposure to rosin based solder flux fume

Fume extraction - a soldering booth is best. On-tip extraction blocks up swiftly and needs frequent cleaning. Bench-mounted boxes are of limited use unless fitted with a HEPA filter.

Maintain the fume extraction system regularly.

Welders

• Welding - Respiratory health in the workplace

Guidance specific to welders is also available.

Case study

These case studies are all real incidents with real and often serious long-term consequences for the people involved.

• Solderer and solder fumes
• Phil the welder

Further information

• More general advice for employers

Publications

• Respiratory health in the workplace

You can find more guidance and information for solderers on the Asthma publications pages.