Soldering is a process that produces a temperature of around 850°F (450°C). At this temperature, hazardous gases, vapors, and fumes will be released in the breathing zone, including metal fumes, solder(lead and other heavy metal fumes), rosin-based fluxes (Rosin is a serious occupational health hazard), coatings, and cleaning agents. Most of these products are heavier than air and accumulate around the work area and breathing zone. There are many different ventilation solutions for soldering operations. For example, using the benchtop fume extractor, slot hoods, or a carbon filter column and HEPA filter to adsorb the gas, vapors, and fumes. As the best concept of local exhaust ventilation, downdraft ventilation is the most relevant and appropriate solution that captures and collects the contaminants at the release source. The chance of migration of the soldering contaminants toward the respiratory system is significantly reduced by using the downdraft technique. The downdraft table system could be connected to the house ventilation system or directly push the contaminated air outside the workplace.
Check Ventonamics products for the appropriate solutions.