This is quite common in the electronics industry. Many IC packages have the potential to let a tiny amount of moisture into the package. If this happens and then the factory tries to solder the IC using the standard heating cycle of a soldering oven, which heats the part fairly quickly, then the water vapor might expand and cause the package to burst (or something like that). Most IC reels are shipped in sealed foil bags to keep moisture out, and if you open the bag but not use the reel for a while, then you are supposed to bake the entire reel slowly at a low temperature to get the moisture out. Then it is OK to use these ICs in a normal reflow oven.
I've never had any problems soldering pin by pin with an iron and haven't heard of anyone else suffering problems due to moisture, so its pretty safe I believe. Lots of my junk box ICs are old and they always work when I solder them.
I've never had any problems soldering pin by pin with an iron and haven't heard of anyone else suffering problems due to moisture, so its pretty safe I believe. Lots of my junk box ICs are old and they always work when I solder them.