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People shit on California's Proposition 65, but the notices at Fry's made me aware of the lead content of solder, and the ones at Michael's highlighted the lead
by jstarfish 3y ago
People shit on California's Proposition 65, but the notices at Fry's made me aware of the lead content of solder, and the ones at Michael's highlighted the lead in Christmas decorations, lights, and fake trees/garland.
I went most of my life ignorant of all of this. But banning stuff outright seems like it would be counterproductive to either industry (banning soldering would be disruptive) or public image ("Liberals declare war on Christmas!").
(Tangential mention of McDonald's, whose warnings highlighted the acrylamide released in the potato-frying process.)
- XorNot 3y agoLead-free solder exists though. It works fine - particularly for plumbing where you don't have tin-whisker concerns. The only problem I've ever had with it is (1) that it turns out Bunnings in Australia sells utterly atrocious flux (the good stuff is also non-toxic, potable compatible and made in USA - and it works perfectly) and (2) that people aren't aware enough of the problem (i.e. my parents house has lead solder all through the plumbing where my father didn't know there was a difference and extended it). EDIT: For any Australians out there - this one - https://www.totaltools.com.au/154135-la-co-56g-soldering-flux-paste-1711882 https://www.totaltools.com.au/154135-la-co-56g-soldering-flu... - buy this one. This is the one which works.
- boppo1 3y agoArtist here. The UK had/has a ban on all lead white paint. Real bummer. Ti white works in a pinch, but it has dramatically different properties.