Exposure to different types of welding fumes may result in different health effects. If a welder inhales gases, fumes and vapours in large quantities over long periods, this may have a negative effect on his health.
Health risks when inhaling welding fumes:
|
Fume/Dust |
Possible immediate effects | Possible long-term effects |
|---|---|---|
| Welding fume (general) | Hoarseness, sore throat, eye irritation, metal fever | Bronchitis, reprotoxic, carcinogenic |
|
Chromium (in welding fume in case of -among other things- stainless steel welding) |
Carcinogenic | |
|
Nickel (in welding fume in case of -among other things- stainless steel welding) |
Metal fever | Carcinogenic |
| Aluminium | Irritation of respiratory organs, metal fever | |
| Manganese | Pneumonia | Damage to central nervous system |
| Zinc | Metal fever | |
| Copper | Metal fever | |
| Magnesium | Irritation of respiratory organs, metal fever | |
| Lead | Changes of blood and kidneys Reprotoxic |
| Gases | Possible immediate effects | Possible long-term effects |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen oxide | Irritation of bronchial tubes and eyes, pulmonary oedema | Bronchitis |
| Carbon monoxide | Difficulty in breathing, unconsciousness | Reprotoxic |
| Ozone | Irritation of bronchial tubes and eyes, pulmonary oedema |
There are international standards for the preferred order in which welding fumes must be captured.
Source: Keep welding fumes out of your body (2002)