[Jewelry making - Article 00480] - Re: [Orchid] Low temprature solders

[Dawn Bellemare]

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    I am by no means an expert, but I have used low temp solders for
    years (army, cable harness, semiconductor/electronics, plumbing).
    From what I understand, lead solders (even with an electric iron) do
    put off lead fumes and will contaminate water. I believe that any
    amount of lead above local background levels is considered
    unacceptable in water sources. It takes very little lead to affect
    the health of children, animals and even adults. 

    Your friend really should switch to plumbers solders which are lead
    free. They really are not much harder to use (as you know), usually
    just requiring better/more flux. Or lead-free hard solder/brazing.
    You should be able to do a search and get plenty of hazardous
    material information to print out for her to read. You might also
    look into whether or not she is (legally) required to label her
    garden fountains and things with "may contain lead", that may help
    her to make the switch to lead free. Lots of people will pass on
    things with lead warnings. 

    You can buy small (cheap) plumbing torches at the local hardware
    store for very little money. I'd buy one for them myself before I let
    a friend use lead solders. 

Hugs,
Dawn B.

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