Lead Testing?

[designedfor1]

So I just started thinking about lead and how much of it is in our lasers. My main concern would be from Chinese hosts, the cheap-o pen lasers from ebay or any of the components that come from china.

I was wondering has anyone ever tested this out? If so what method (XRF System, chemical or other)?

I figure if big toy companies and big electronics companies can have recalls on products that contain too much lead then there is a high probability that there is a very unsafe amount in these cheap-o Chinese parts.

The problem is that our bodies absorb 50% or more of lead.

 

[Rafa]

Absorb?

Do you lick your lasers or what.. ?

 

[qumefox]

The only lead in chinese lasers, or any others for that matter, would be the lead/tin solder used on the drivers, etc. Unless you have them open and lick the PCB.... a lot.... for years... it's a non-issue. Your better off worrying about getting hit by a meteor. Electronic components used lead/tin solder pretty much since they've existed, and even with the move to RoHS and lead free solder.. I seriously doubt it'll ever be phased out completely. All I use at work is leaded solder. The lead free stuff just takes too high a temperature to melt, and is really bad about having cold solder joints. You wouldn't believe the number of TV's alone i've fixed simply by re-soldering the FBT's and other HV components with good old leaded solder instead the the lead free crap the manufacturers switched to.

 

[mbessey]

It's probably safe to assume that the solder is lead solder, but you wouldn't normally come into extended contact with that.

It's somewhat less likely that the mechanical components, including the case and optics mounts, contain a significant amount of lead or other toxic metals. I know some brasses are made with cadmium or lead to make them easier to machine.

Probably the only likely source of potential lead contamination would be the paint. You can buy test kits to check for lead in paint at any home-improvement store. If you're particularly worried, make sure to wash your hands in between handling your laser and eating.

 

[CrazyMonkey]

Not that I think its a big danger, but.. Keep in mind you do not have to eat led to get lead poisoning. Lead can be absorbed through skin. (I know, it sounds strange). I've had lead poisoning by just handling lead/tin solder. I was working with solder so much one day, my fingers were covered in silver. I though it was neat at the time, as I was young and did not know about lead poisoning back then. At least I can blame my bad memory on it anyway.

 

[HIMNL9]

Uhm, i have a 25Kg lead block as base for "Frankie" (my third hand helper ) ..... and, once, i almost broke my feet, when it fell from the desk ..... does this count as "lead risk" ? .....

 

[TTerbo]

that stuff weighs a tonne in small amounts!!
@himnl9 your nearly at 3000 posts!!!

 

[goninanbl00d]

Isn't 25kg a little excessive for a helping hand?

 

[TTerbo]

if your HIMNL9 ....NO

 

[goninanbl00d]

Mmm.... My computer only weighs 16kg and it's a mild steel chassis.

I doubt my table could hold 25kg.

 

[HIMNL9]

Isn't 25kg a little excessive for a helping hand?

You say so just cause you don't know Frankie.

Permit me to introduce it.

Frankie, this is LPF forum ..... LPF, this is Frankie (mark 3, waiting for upgrade to mark 4 )

 

[TTerbo]

hey frankie......does that say CPF or is it a hybrid L and C
1 more post and you have 3000

 

[HIMNL9]

No, is an "L" ..... my handwriting is simply horrible (when is at his best, like this one ..... usually my calligraphic skill is also worse than this )


Edit: you're right, 3000 posts ..... what have i won ? ..... (LOL )

 

[goninanbl00d]

Grats on 3000. Too bad it's not OVAR 9000!!!!!!!!1!111

Anyway, that thing's a monster. No wonder you have a 25kg block on the tobbom of it.

 

[TTerbo]

are you sure its still 25kg? i would say its 24.94kg....weigh it for me

 

[HIMNL9]

are you sure its still 25kg? i would say its 24.94kg....weigh it for me

Wrong, it's 26,5

:crackup: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup: