The uproar started with the suspicion that lead based paint chips had caused mental retardation in some poor children..
There are many studies however, that show that there are few if any hazards associated with the use of lead based solder.
Simply handling solder is certainly not hazardous as long as the user remembers to wash his hands after using it and before eating.,
I do however question the health aspects of inhaling the rosin fumes. I use a small fan to suck the fumes away from my face and a HEPA filter to trap any particulate.
Works great even when using a torch to solder parts together or using a solder pot and dipping wire leads.
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I have also noticed that the "non-lead" variety of solder has a tendency to crystallize after just a year or two and develop high resistance and "noisy" joints!
Maybe that is why so much of the equipment made in Europe, Japan or China tends to fail after a few years of operation..
Dan
"Everything that glitters is not necessarily good." Anon.