Ham Amateur Radio Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is a danger from lead-tin solder?

1. It can cause permanent damage to electronic components

2. Lead can contaminate food if hands are not washed carefully after handling the solder

3. It creates fumes that are harmful only when heated

4. It can explode if exposed to high temperatures

The correct answer is: Lead can contaminate food if hands are not washed carefully after handling the solder

Lead-tin solder contains lead, which poses health risks, particularly concerning contamination. If hands are not washed carefully after handling lead-tin solder, lead can transfer to food items, leading to potential ingestion of toxic substances. This is especially critical as lead is a hazardous material that can lead to serious health issues, including neurological damage, if ingested over time. It's important to practice good hygiene when working with materials containing lead, ensuring that any residues are thoroughly removed from skin and tools before coming into contact with food. The other choices do address concerns surrounding lead-tin solder, but they do not highlight the direct and significant risk related to lead contamination and food safety as effectively as option B does. The notion of causing permanent damage to electronic components typically relates to improper soldering techniques rather than the solder itself. The fumes from solder can be harmful, but the statement that they are only dangerous when heated doesn’t capture the full scope of potential exposure risks. Lastly, lead-tin solder does not explode when exposed to high temperatures; rather, high temperatures can damage the solder's effectiveness and lead to other issues in electronic components.