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#2
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REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
On May 29, 9:34�am, Michael Coslo wrote:
wrote: On May 28, 8:03 am, gwatts wrote: AF6AY wrote: The do-gooders done did too much with all those warnings and attempts to protect us all from everything. If a product is dangerous, why shouldn't it have warnings? Particularly when there are known carcinogens and other health hazards involved? It's not being a "do-gooder" or "doing too much" to discover hazards and eliminate or contain them. I think it a matter of magnitude. Not really. See below. Some items such as Benzene are pretty dangerous and have an established track record of making people sick. Those should go whenever possible. Agreed. OTOH, the little bottle of Strip-X with it's foul stench is probably not going to cause anyone harm outside of self inflicted (i.e. suicide attempts) But it *is* dangerous stuff, and should have adequate warnings, shouldn't it? What does "do-gooder done did too much with all those warnings and attempts to protect us all from everything." really mean? Are there too many warnings on dangerous chemicals? More important, do we really *know* that Strip-X isn't going to cause anyone harm unless intentionally abused? Did every user of the stuff do so in a "well-ventilated area"? I think not. Of course, I'm not so sure if Strip-X was discontinued because of health concerns or that it just didn't work any more on new generations of enameled wire. AFAIK, it worked on all enameled wire. Teflon isn't an "enamel". Sure, not everyone who uses Strip-X will get cancer. But some of the components of it are known carcinogens, and a proven hazard. More important, we can't know ahead of time who the susceptible folks are. More likely, they looked at the *possibility* of such a lawsuit, the scientific evidence of the hazards of the ingredients, the limited profit and declining sales, and just stopped making the product. Once a chemical is shown to be dangerous, the manufacturers can't claim ignorance anymore. Since the formula for Strip-X appears to be in the public domain, anybody can make it and sell it. Would *you* be willing to set up shop to make it and sell it, with all the risks that entails, and the very limited market for it? There you touch on the real issue with items like Strip-X. The manufacturing side. While I might have my little bottle that I get out a time or two during the day, the people making the stuff have exposure issues well beyond that. Depending on the manufacturing process. The history of industry is full of examples of people being slowly killed at work by exposure to hazards. Asbestos, radium paint, carbon tet, MEK, all sorts of wonderful stuff. The fact that something doesn't kill everyone who gets near it doesn't make it safe enough. My main point is that while we might not get much exposure, those who produce it just might be getting serious contact with nasty chemicals. 'zactly. It's all about avoidable risk. Another example: Once upon a time, cars had single main hydraulic brake systems. The master cylinder had one pump that fed all four wheel cylinders. It was simple and effective, but a failure anywhere in the system (wheel cylinder, master cylinder, brake lines, etc.) meant total hydraulic brake system failure. Then the "do-gooders" pushed for dual brake systems, on the theory that most single failures would leave half the brake system working, plus a warning system. Critics said that the cost and complexity were too much, and that complete brake failure was very rare in then-modern cars with single systems. The "do-gooders" won, and dual brake systems with warnings became the standard. Was that excessive? I guess it depends on whether you've ever had the brake pedal go right to the floor at a critical moment. 73 de Jim, N2EY |
#3
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REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
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#4
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REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
Michael Coslo wrote:
I'd rather read that than something about what "The state of California knows" you know, those strange postings beside gasoline pumps? This product is know to the State of California as a carcinogen" type stuff. I wonder how many people called up the state of California to talk about that? What does "do-gooder done did too much with all those warnings and attempts to protect us all from everything." really mean? Are there too many warnings on dangerous chemicals? I don't mind the warnings too much as long as they are not stupid warnings. What I do mind is when a useful product goes away. More important, do we really *know* that Strip-X isn't going to cause anyone harm unless intentionally abused? Or salted codfish for that matter? I know that sounds a little sarcastic, but the point is that there is a statistical correlation between large consumption of salted and smoked fish with stomach cancer. Keep voting Democrat, and you'll insure that Government will protect you...at a price! |
#5
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REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
NoMoreSpam wrote:
Michael Coslo wrote: I'd rather read that than something about what "The state of California knows" you know, those strange postings beside gasoline pumps? This product is know to the State of California as a carcinogen" type stuff. I wonder how many people called up the state of California to talk about that? What does "do-gooder done did too much with all those warnings and attempts to protect us all from everything." really mean? Are there too many warnings on dangerous chemicals? I don't mind the warnings too much as long as they are not stupid warnings. What I do mind is when a useful product goes away. More important, do we really *know* that Strip-X isn't going to cause anyone harm unless intentionally abused? Or salted codfish for that matter? I know that sounds a little sarcastic, but the point is that there is a statistical correlation between large consumption of salted and smoked fish with stomach cancer. Keep voting Democrat, and you'll insure that Government will protect you...at a price! Better than voting Republican where you still pay the price, your children and grandchildren continue to pay the price, and all the protections go away under the guise of 'we big, rich business types have to be able to make a profit!' |
#6
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REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
On Jun 2, 2:38Â*pm, Michael Coslo wrote:
wrote: On May 29, 9:34�am, Michael Coslo wrote: wrote: On May 28, 8:03 am, gwatts wrote: AF6AY wrote: The do-gooders done did too much with all those warnings and attempts to protect us all from everything. If a product is dangerous, why shouldn't it have warnings? Particularly when there are known carcinogens and other health hazards involved? It's not being a "do-gooder" or "doing too much" to discover hazards and eliminate or contain them. I think it a matter of magnitude. Not really. See below. Some items such as Benzene are pretty dangerous and have an established track record of making people sick. Those should go whenever possible. Agreed. OTOH, the little bottle of Strip-X with it's foul stench is probably not going to cause anyone harm outside of self inflicted (i.e. suicide attempts) But it *is* dangerous stuff, and should have adequate warnings, shouldn't it? There's my magnitude issue. I'm in no way implying that there be no warning on the bottles. I am implying that it is a useful product, and legislating it out of existence, or just making it too much trouble for a company to produce is not a good thing. Something just occurred to me. We don't *know* that Strip-X was discontinued because of health/safety/ environmental/"do-gooder" issues. That's pure speculation. It's quite possible - in fact, probable - that the reason Strip-X was discontinued was lack of sales. After all, the *professionals* use solder pots, not chemicals. Amateurs who are in the know use solder pots, or a solder blob. I suspect that the market for Strip-X was so small it wasn't worth producing any more. We do have a system that is pretty good. The MSDS reports are pretty slick and non-sensational. Of course, they won't fit on that little bottle! 8^) And folks have to read them and understand them. I'd rather read that than something about what "The state of California knows" you know, those strange postings beside gasoline pumps? This product is know to the State of California as a carcinogen" type stuff. I wonder how many people called up the state of California to talk about that? bwaahaahaaa What does "do-gooder done did too much with all those warnings and attempts to protect us all from everything." really mean? Are there too many warnings on dangerous chemicals? I don't mind the warnings too much as long as they are not stupid warnings. What I do mind is when a useful product goes away. But as I wrote, we don't *know* that such things got rid of Strip-X. I say it was solder pots. More important, do we really *know* that Strip-X isn't going to cause anyone harm unless intentionally abused? Or salted codfish for that matter? I know that sounds a little sarcastic, but the point is that there is a statistical correlation between large consumption of salted and smoked fish with stomach cancer. Correlation isn't causation. Unless a controlled study is done that eliminates other variables, a causation is not proven. For example, it could be that those who eat lots of salted and smoked fish also tend to eat lots of something else, and it's the something else which is the real cause. The "known to California" jargon means such controlled studies have been done. Did every user of the stuff do so in a "well-ventilated area"? I think not. One can only give guidelines, not enforce them. Of course. And people have to read them! Once upon a time, cars had single main hydraulic brake systems. The master cylinder had one pump that fed all four wheel cylinders. It was simple and effective, but a failure anywhere in the system (wheel cylinder, master cylinder, brake lines, etc.) meant total hydraulic brake system failure. Then the "do-gooders" pushed for dual brake systems, on the theory that most single failures would leave half the brake system working, plus a warning system. Critics said that the cost and complexity were too much, and that complete brake failure was very rare in then-modern cars with single systems. The "do-gooders" won, and dual brake systems with warnings became the standard. Was that excessive? I guess it depends on whether you've ever had the brake pedal go right to the floor at a critical moment. For me at least, the comparison of mechanical with chemical issues is a little hard to work. Why? It's the same concept: reduction of avoidable risk. The point is that the *professionals* who made the cars resisted safety improvements that we now take for granted. I have long advocated such radical technology as strong roll cages, 5 point seat belts and fire suppression systems on automobiles if we want to get serious about safety. A roll cage isn't needed if the car structure is built strong enough (roof won't collapse if car rolls over) True harnesses are a good idea, as is fire suppression. On the other hand, I've silvered my telescope mirrors in my garage. This involves a litany of nasty stuff, from Silver nitrate to Â*potassium hydroxide to nitric acid. (now that stuff is scary) And oddly enough, sucrose and citric acid. I'd hate to be not allowed to do such things because someone thought I might get hurt. Hydroflouric acid is *really* nasty. The Big Issue IMHO is whether a dangerous process can be made safer. Is there a safer way to silver a telescope mirror? There *is* a safer way to remove enamel from wire, and you get the added bonus of a tinned wire. Why use a chemical at all? --- Related topic: The EU has regs that are essentially outlawing lead solder in electronics. Because the EU is such a big market, most electronics makers are following along, and rather than deal with both lead and no- lead solders, they're going all-no-lead. With all the problems lead- free electronic solders bring along. But IMHO the whole thing is wrong-headed. Lead in the environment is a problem, but the solution is recycling, not banning lead. How ironic is it that a major rework of a car's electronics will be done to eliminate a few ounces of lead-tin solder, while the car's battery contains many pounds of lead and acid? 73 de Jim, N2EY |
#7
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Lead free solder , was : REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
The EU has regs that are essentially outlawing lead solder in
electronics. Because the EU is such a big market, most electronics makers are following along, and rather than deal with both lead and no- lead solders, they're going all-no-lead. With all the problems lead- free electronic solders bring along. But IMHO the whole thing is wrong-headed. Lead in the environment is a problem, but the solution is recycling, not banning lead. How ironic is it that a major rework of a car's electronics will be done to eliminate a few ounces of lead-tin solder, while the car's battery contains many pounds of lead and acid? ============================================ Indeed ,lead free solder does not flow that well even at elevated temperatures , so I have stocked up on leaded solder (possibly sufficiently for the rest of my home brewing life). But the point is that electronic equipment having printed circuit boards contain a very low percentage (weight wise) of solder. If that solder contains lead any recycling effort to recover/isolate the lead will be exceedingly costly. In the past printed circuit boards were pulverised to recover the gold on 'contact fingers' through a chemical process , but apparently that is no longer viable. So although there is very little lead in electronic equipment manufactured with 60/40 or 63/37 leaded solder ,when equipment ends up in a land fill the cumulative effect is bad ,poisoning ground water. So it does make sense to go for lead free solder. BTW : In the UK leaded solder is still available ,although no longer from High Street retail outlets like Maplin Electronics . Lead Acid Batteries have a large percentage of lead (weight wise) ,hence recycling is commercially viable . Frank GM0CSZ / KN6WH |
#8
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Lead free solder , was : REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
"Highland Ham" wrote in message ... exceedingly costly. In the past printed circuit boards were pulverised to recover the gold on 'contact fingers' through a chemical process , but apparently that is no longer viable. We have been seeing signs all over for people buying gold jewelry. This past weekend my wife knocked some talk out of one of these guys, and they said they still do recover gold from PCBs, but right now, buying old jewelry does result in a source of gold for about 1/3 the market price. ... |
#9
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Lead free solder , was : REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
Highland Ham wrote:
The EU has regs that are essentially outlawing lead solder in electronics. Because the EU is such a big market, most electronics makers are following along, and rather than deal with both lead and no- lead solders, they're going all-no-lead. With all the problems lead- free electronic solders bring along. But IMHO the whole thing is wrong-headed. Lead in the environment is a problem, but the solution is recycling, not banning lead. How ironic is it that a major rework of a car's electronics will be done to eliminate a few ounces of lead-tin solder, while the car's battery contains many pounds of lead and acid? ============================================ Indeed ,lead free solder does not flow that well even at elevated temperatures , so I have stocked up on leaded solder (possibly sufficiently for the rest of my home brewing life). But the point is that electronic equipment having printed circuit boards contain a very low percentage (weight wise) of solder. If that solder contains lead any recycling effort to recover/isolate the lead will be exceedingly costly. I think that machinery can be developed to handle lead removal, we already have ways of getting the solder onto those boards in rapid fashion. I think we aren't looking at it in the right way. Changing over is going to cost - probably big time. We are going to have to put up with increased failure rates, whether through solder joint failure, or reduced component life due to added heat stress. After all, if lead free solders were the best way to go, that's what we would be using. So we'll be retooling and spending that money for an inferior product. Maybe Devo was right! And, we're saying that this new lead free solder is going to be safe to dump in landfills. M'kay, if they say so..... - 73 de Mike N3LI - |
#10
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Lead free solder , was : REMOVING ENAMEL COATING
On Jun 5, 1:32�am, Highland Ham
wrote: (N2EY wrote): The EU has regs that are essentially outlawing lead solder in electronics. Because the EU is such a big market, most electronics makers are following along, and rather than deal with both lead and no- lead solders, they're going all-no-lead. With all the problems lead- free electronic solders bring along. But IMHO the whole thing is wrong-headed. Lead in the environment is a problem, but the solution is recycling, not banning lead. How ironic is it that a major rework of a car's electronics will be done to eliminate a few ounces of lead-tin solder, while the car's battery contains many pounds of lead and acid? ============================================ Indeed ,lead free solder does not flow that well even at elevated temperatures , so I have stocked up on leaded solder (possibly sufficiently for the rest of my home brewing life). I think a lot of electronics folks have done the same. But the point is that electronic equipment having printed circuit boards contain a very low percentage (weight wise) of solder. If that solder contains lead any recycling effort to recover/isolate the lead will be exceedingly costly. In the past printed circuit boards were pulverised to recover the gold on 'contact fingers' through a chemical process , but apparently that is no longer viable. Whether it's viable depends on the rules. Here in the USA, a number of states require a deposit (usually five cents) on beverage containers. That deposit is typically far more than the intrinsic worth of the metal, glass or plasti in the container, but that's not the point. Instead, the deposit makes it worthwhile to collect and recycle the containers, keeping them out of the trash stream and reducing litter. Why couldn't there be such a deposit on electronics? So although there is very little lead in electronic equipment manufactured with 60/40 or 63/37 leaded solder ,when equipment ends up in a land fill the cumulative effect is bad ,poisoning ground water. All sorts of things wind up in landfills that are far worse than the small amount of lead solder in electronics. Are the metals in lead- free solder all benign? So it does make sense to go for lead free solder. I think there are better ways to keep lead out of the trash. BTW : In the UK leaded solder is still available ,although no longer from High Street retail outlets like Maplin Electronics . Lead Acid Batteries have a large percentage of lead (weight wise) ,hence recycling is commercially viable . But does that guarantee no lead or cadmium containing batteries of any kind wind up in landfills? Just one car battery in a stream is far more contamination than a very large number of PC boards. IMHO, the big problem is that electronics of all kinds is becoming a throw-away item, with short useful lifespan, but recycling lags far behind. The problems of lead-free solder may make the lifespan shorter, and so the disposal problem worse. 73 de Jim, N2EY |
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