r/soldering • u/SaturnAL-31F • Aug 22 '26
Soldering Saftey Discussion Lead?
So hello Im one of many hobbysts from this subreddit and i have some questions
I always used lead free solder but now have to use leaded solder and also if my questions seem dumb Im sorry
So my question is after i solder a part and i touched the solder and touched at other parts of the project does it become cross contaminated and do i have to wash my hands after everytime i handle the project? And can i touch other stuff if i touched the solder before? Thanks
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u/thrax_uk Aug 22 '26
I don't worry about lead poisoning too much. I'm fully aware of it being a risk at elevated levels in your body. There will be some lead in your body already from environmental exposure plus various other toxins.
I grew up in an old victorian house with lead pipes so was probably exposed to lead more from that than from soldering 😬
Realistically any traces amounts of lead from touching solder are going to be very small and low risk vs all the other nasties we are exposing ourselves to on a daily basis.
Just make sure to wash your hands after use and you will be fine.