[sdiy] Solder corrosion - what is it?

[Nils Pipenbrinck]

On 11/03/2016 12:43 PM, Steve Lenham wrote:

> a) What exactly the substance is. Presumably it is either a tin or a
> lead compound?

I've seen that a lot of times.

It is most likely just flux residue from soldering. The flux may have 
hidden in the holes and has spread over the board given enough wet/dry 
cycles due to condensed water.

There are several salts from lead that have a white appearance. One of 
them has even used as a white pigment for paints. They are all toxic to 
some degree.

I'd just use protective gloves and clean the board with alcohol (IPA). 
If it is indeed flux you should get rid of it with alcohol without rubbing.

If it doesn't solve in alcohol it is likely one of the lead/tin salts. 
Unless it is something exotic you should get rid of it with plain water. 
If you have to go this way do a second clean with plenty of  alcohol to 
get rid of the water after cleaning.

Best,
   Nils