Silvr brazing in plumbing

[panos]

Hello,

I work for an environmental consultancy currently based in the UK undertaking a study for the European Commission on cadmium in brazing (silver soldering). The Commission is cosidering imposing a restriction (effectively, a ban) and we are tasked with the asessment of the associated impacts to consumers and the relevant EU industry sectors.

It is currently not decided whether any new regulation will only target consumer DIY uses (such as model engineering for steam boilers) or professional uses as well and we need to collect additional information. So far, we have been advised that professional uses include plumbing, refrigeration, HVAC applications, heat exchangers, brassware (taps, shower parts) and others.

We would like to hear from professional users of cadmium-containing brazing fillers (silver solders) who may be involved in the applications mentioned above. We would be interested in collecting information on current levels of use, relevant applications and working conditions (ventilation, PPE, etc.) and the availability of suitable alternatives.

If any user of the forum would be willing to share their experiences, I would be very happy to hear from them. All information will be treated in confidence.

Please PM me if you are interested.

Many thanks for your time and for your hospitality in ths forum,
Panos

 

[Plouasne]

I have used the old BOC cuprotectic rods, and the French equivalent, since the early '60's, and the French silver solder rods (with either 40%Ag or 8%Ag) for gas work, since the '90's, all was site work where there was plenty of ventilation, without ill affect
Can I humbly suggest that you also look at the composition of the flux's used when silver soldering

Feel free to PM if you would like to do so

 

[panos]

Many thanks for your response. I have sent you a PM just now.

 

[TGor]

Cadmium is banned in silver brazing alloys in Australia & the US and is well policed by plumbing inspectors and also in manufacturing by the watermark/Standardsmark & other certification schemes .. in the UK/Europe there is not as much control over installations and products. Cadmium should be banned but the regulations are not much use without effective policing ... I agree also that the flux composition should be monitored along with PVC glue and other nasties.