Why Fume Extraction?

A healthy work environment is not only safe, but it has been proven to reduce staff turnover and absenteeism, control healthcare costs and increase operator productivity.

Lead-Free Solders Are The Worst

Most solders contain fluxes that, when heated, emit fumes and gases,called colophony, which degrade the air quality in and around the bench-top. Lead-free solders are the worst offenders, as they contain a higher concentration of chemicals which generate more fumes and vapours.

Ironically, the smoke and particulates you can see emanating from a work bench are not the ones that do the most damage. It's what you can't see that carries the greatest potential danger. Inefficient systems may remove the obvious, but they don't capture the most harmful fumes. For real extraction, it takes a powerful system coupled with a well designed series of special HEPA filters. Anything less will not eliminate the fumes and gases that can cause the worst short-and long-term health problems.

The Health Hazard of Solder Fumes

In many production and rework operations, from hand soldering, to using solder pots, adhesives and sealants, airborne particulates are generated that research has shown to be a serious health hazard. Most solder contains a rosin based flux, which, when heated, produces a substance called colophony.

Heating of Rosin (Colophony) causes the following fumes to be created

Colophony contains many harmful constituents, from acetone to carbon monoxide to irritating smoke (see diagram). Research lists colophony fumes as one of the six most common causes of occupational asthma. Think you're safe by using non-rosin fluxes? Think again. Non-rosin fluxes such as synthetics and no-cleans have been found to be even more irritating than rosin fluxes and present an even higher potential danger in the electronics workplace.

FACT: Colophony inhalation can lead to Occupational Asthma

Simplified EUROVENT 4/5 Particle Filter Efficiency Chart Particle Size - (microns)

Understanding Filter Efficiency Particulate Filters Smoke particles can be removed with a particulate filter. All particulate filters are graded under a Eurovent Standard (EU), which relates filtration efficiency to particle size. The higher the EU number, the greater the efficiency of the filter. Chemical/Gas Filters Gases and vapors must be absorbed by chemical filters, which are usually carbon based. Metcal chemical filters will absorb the most common chemicals and solvents found within the electronics industry. To understand the filtration efficiency needs of your chemicals and solvents, please provide an MSDS safety sheet to your local Metcal representative for review.

Filter Options

Option 1 - For light / medium soldering Pre-HEPA-Gas filters - 99.997% efficient to 0.3 microns	Option 2 - For heavy duty soldering / light dust EU8 Bag-Gas filters - 97% efficient to 1 microns
Option 3 - For adhesive / solvent extractions Pre-Double Gas filters - Highly efficient for vapours only