Health Hazard from Flux Used in Joining Aluminium Electricity Cables

Abstract

Electricity cable jointers using a flux for aluminium jointing complained of skin and chest symptoms which they attributed to contact with flux and fume. The flux contains fluoride and alkaline substances which are capable of irritating the skin and the respiratory tract. The jointing process is described and possible sources of hazard are noted. The incidence of complaints was found to be low. No specific symptoms of fluoride irritation emerged, and chest symptoms were found to occur in persons susceptible to irritant fume as a result of respiratory disease. Sampling tests showed that, for a very short period of time, high values of soluble fluoride may exist in the breathing zone of the jointers. Skin tests indicated that the flux is not a strong primary irritant or sensitizer, but that reactions are likely to occur in abnormal skins if the flux is occluded. The use of paraffin is thought to be an important factor in the production of skin trouble. Prevention should be directed towards avoidance of contact with flux and fume and exclusion of susceptible persons from aluminium jointing.