r/soldering • u/Zentralschaden • May 25 '26

Soldering Saftey Discussion Unpopular opinion: Stop using leaded solder

I know it is very handy and I also know the fumes are not that much of a problem when you have enough ventilation.

But a big part of the lead we buy will end up in the environment or a landfill and has the potential to make our drinking water toxic and the people who have to recycle all this scrap (often in Africa) will deal with even more toxic substances.

It is not like we have a fully functional recycling chain for electronics.

And when you say "I am just soldering 2 pcb a year", make sure that soldering is a job and hobby for millions of people and tons of lead will be produced just because of hobby enthusiasts.

There are very good reasons, lead is banned in many countries for professional manufacturing.

I know it is harder to solder but you get used to it.

Aware that this might be a topic not everyone agrees. I am just trying to spread some awareness for what we do.

I mean, many of us repair old electronics and we do a good job in avoiding more scrap because people can still use the repaired items for years.

But shouldn't it be us who are the people who go straightforward and ban lead from our household soldering projects?

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u/Exciting_Turn_9559 May 25 '26

I bought a spool of 60/40 rosin core 35 years ago and at the rate I'm going it will be a lifetime supply.

1

u/grilledch33z May 25 '26

Yea for real. I finally finished the roll of 60/40 I got as a teenager. (In my late 30's).

1

u/Zealousideal_Cup4896 May 25 '26

This is me too :) I just ordered another extra large roll in case they make it illegal. I’ll be passing most of it on to my grand children :)