[Arran]

If you have to use an ordinary vacuum you can cut back on the suction just by allowing some leakage between your home made tool, and the nozzle. Some vacuums also have a speed control, we had a Sears/Panasonic vac that had that mounted in the handle. That being said if the coil is still in the can, depending on the design, the hole in the can is usually smaller then the coil form.
As for NPR, I've only ever heard clips from it, and it sounds like CBC radio, hour after hour of what I call "clucking hens" talking about all sorts of things that they know nothing about. I would not worry about solder fumes too much, it's the parts pre million that matter, and I usually solder in an open space. However I do wash my hands after handling lead, solder or otherwise, but often do after handling radio/Tv chassis anyhow as they are often dirty things.
Regards
Arran