Click here to go to our main page on materials for microwaves
Click here to go to our page on safety
Click here to learn about the biological effects of RF radiation
There are several materials commonly used in microwave engineering that are deemed hazardous to your health. Generally, compounds containing beryllium are hazardous to the respiratory tract. Gallium arsenide is also considered dangerous if ingested.
For all hazardous materials, material safety data sheets (MSDS) are available from their vendors which spell out in detail the hazardous nature of the material.
RoHS
Lead is considered hazardous. The Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) eliminated lead from all manufacturing in Europe by July 2006.
Many solvents are hazardous. TCE is the worst, then perhaps acetone.
If you work in a fab, there are many hazardous chemicals, and your employer should have yearly training for you.
More to come, we promise!