Identify dirt/damage in used PCB

Hi everyone.

I like to open compact fluorescent lamps that don't work anymore to scavenge components from the ballast (and many other products). In the last one that I opened, I saw some kind or dirt or damage that doesn't seem to come from any component. Here's what it looks like (4000×3000 version in the attachments):



I did nothing with it after removing it from the lamp, except moving two capacitors to show the area better. The color of the component markers ("Top silk" in Proteus ARES) is like that for the entire board. On the bottom side, almost no sign of dirt/damage, so I didn't bothered with a photo.

Someone have an idea of what it could be? More importantly, is it safe to handle this board and remove its components?

Thanks in advance.

Could be solid deposits of smoke particles, that came from a bursting component?

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Or a liquid (gel or electrolyte) that came from a bursting component, and then dried?

BradtheRad said:

Could be solid deposits of smoke particles, that came from a bursting component?

- - - Updated - - -

Or a liquid (gel or electrolyte) that came from a bursting component, and then dried?

Click to expand...

No signs of burst components. It could be from the electrolytic capacitor. It is very lightly dirtied on the bottom.

A large electrolytic burst once, while I watched. It went pop and snap, then translucent gel oozed out for several seconds. I was surprised how much there was.

looks like water pooled up on that end. You can see the watermark on the transistor and the green cap in front of it.

Larry G

retrogear said:

looks like water pooled up on that end. You can see the watermark on the transistor and the green cap in front of it.

Larry G

Click to expand...

It could be, but the mark at the green cap that is closer to bottom in the photo is higher (barely appears in the photo).

It looks as though corrosive liquid (or gel) reached the wire-wrapped leads at the left. They appear rusted.

I think the PCB was not cleaned properly to start with. Nothing happens to the tube but the electronics invariably fails after 2 years. This is a design feature.

I too have about 5-6 failed CFL - waiting to be safely disposed off. I shall take a look at their anatomy when I get some free time. Thanks for the idea!