Tight chest from solder fumes?

Question

Ive been working in a job that involves soldering for the last 20 years and my chest gets so tight despite using extraction. The docs told me to find another job but thats easier said than done.. anyone else do soldering and have the same symptoms? And how do you find relief? Im takin at least 2 strong pain killers every day.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The flux in solder is a very well known cause of allergic asthma attacks and can cause chronic symptoms of asthma. I don't know where you are working, but in the UK, your exposure would be strictly regulated by law (Health and Safety at Work Act) to within safe limits.

Anyway, it is likely that your doctor will prescribe an asthma relieving medicine and you certainly should do everything you can do to minimise breathing the smoke. The pain killers won't do a lot for you, but a bronchiodilator will. In the short run, believe it or not, breathing steam will bring some releif.

In the longer run, I bet it is your employers legal duty to ensure that your health does not suffer becuase of your work. You might be able to talk to a union about that - if so, I recommend you do. If there are no unions where you are and an oppressive management, it might be possible to get some action by contacting a (not right-wing) politician or journalist.

Best of luck!

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

wise words

Answer 2

Are you wearing a mask when you solder? I think your doctor is right, soldering pays well, but you will pay in your health in the long run.
Some of the damage will be irreversible, you may have emphysema now, are you getting headaches, dizziness, chills, chest pains, serious health effects on the lungs and kidneys can come from soldering. I would rather wait tables as a waitress and earn less than have my life cut short by continuing this job. Do listen to the doctors. You are only forty years old, and have a good twenty two years before you can retire, by then you will not have enough energy to take your dogs walking in the nearby woods.

Answer 3

I worked and owned a radiator shop for a lot of years, a lot of your solder contains lead, I found the flux that we use causes most of the problems.I don't know if you use a torch or iron but the heat given off will cause the fumes to stay in the air for quite a while, you can sometimes even taste it on your lips. If your on pain pills I would find a specialist pain pill only cover up a problem.[ Please get some help before it to late]