Electronic Circuit Boards Handle Chemical Exposure
The production of electronic circuit boards (PCBs) requires multiple chemical processes. Those chemicals can contain toxic compounds and cause health issues for workers handling them. To help prevent those risks, proper management of the chemicals used in PCB assembly is important. This includes proper storage and disposal of the waste residues, as well as a thorough cleaning process using pre-wetting techniques and vacuum equipment equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air filter to avoid blowing contaminates into the air. It also involves ensuring proper labeling of containers and use of only the amount of chemical required for the job.
Ionic contamination is an issue that can arise in both fabrication and assembly of PCBs. This contamination can be the result of etching chemicals, conductive impurities in the solder paste, component biocides and ionic surfactants from PCB surface preparation. Ionic contaminants can lead to problems with the conductivity of a PCB and can contribute to corrosion, electrochemical migration (ECM), and dendrite formation. It is possible to test for ionic contamination in a PCB by conducting a ROSE or ion chromatography test.
Some of the most common chemicals used in electronic circuit board assembly are volatile organic solvents and etchants. These substances are released into the air during PCB etching, soldering, and other manufacturing operations. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to respiratory irritation, skin irritation, and eye irritation. They can also be toxic if inhaled or ingested.
How Do Electronic Circuit Boards Handle Chemical Exposure?
Other chemicals that are commonly used in the production of PCBs include evaporating solvents such as glycol-ethers and acetone, aldehydes such as formaldehyde and dimethylformamide, and ozone depleting compounds such as perfluorinated esters (PFAS) and trichloroethylene. Some of these chemicals are regulated by the Toxic Substances Control Act and require reporting to the EPA.
When it comes to reducing exposure to dangerous chemicals, simple things like wearing gloves and washing hands after working on electronics can reduce the risk of inhalation and contact. It is also helpful to wear respirators when working with chemicals that are known or suspected to be hazardous.
Despite the scary images we’ve all seen of people licking or munching on electronics, most commercial electronic products are quite safe to touch. Even back when solder included 37% lead, it was still far safer to touch than many other materials. Fortunately, most modern solders don’t even include that much lead. Even so, if you are unsure of the safety of touching an electronics product, it is best to ask a qualified professional before picking it up. The same goes for repairing electronics or other devices with exposed wires.
