Welding Fume
Weld Fume Extraction Systems
Welding fume consists of airborne un-burnt flux residues, particles of both filler rod material as well the material substrate and heat fume generated from the welding process itself, fumes can normally be seen. Exposure both short and long term should be avoided at all costs.The best way of preventing this is to prevent the fumes/dust from getting into the breathing zone of the operator by collecting it before it gets airbourne.
Working with stainless steel may produce welding fumes containing nickel and chromium. If you have asthma, exposure to nickel can make your illness far worse. Chromium can aggravate or cause sinus problems. Both nickel and chromium exposure may cause cancer!
Short-term Effects
Welding smoke also can irritate the eyes, nose, chest, and respiratory tract and cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchitis, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs). Gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, cramps, and slow digestion, also have been associated with welding smoke exposure.
Some welding fume components and welding processes can be especially dangerous in a short period of time. Cadmium in welding fumes can be fatal in a short time. Ultraviolet radiation given off by welding reacts with oxygen and nitrogen in the air to form ozone and nitrogen oxides, which are deadly at high doses, irritate the nose and throat, and eventually cause serious lung disease.
Long-term Effects
Studies show that welders and those involved in brazing, soldering, and metal cutting have an increased risk of lung cancer and possible larynx and urinary tract cancer. According to the AFSCME fact sheet, these findings are not surprising in view of the large quantity of toxic substances in welding smoke, including cancer-causing agents such as cadmium, nickel, beryllium, chromium, and arsenic.
Welders also may have chronic respiratory problems, including bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, pneumoconiosis (dust-related diseases, decreased lung capacity, silicosis [caused by silica exposure], and siderosis (a dust-related disease caused by iron oxide dust in the lungs).
Other health problems that appear to be related to welding include heart disease; skin diseases; hearing loss; chronic gastritis (stomach inflammation); gastroduodenitis (stomach and small intestine inflammation); and stomach and small intestine ulcers.
Welding also poses reproductive risks. Studies have shown that welders, especially those who work with stainless steel, have poorer sperm quality than men in other work. Studies also have shown an increase in either miscarriages or delayed conception among welders and their spouses.
Welders who weld or cut surfaces covered with asbestos insulation are at risk of asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. Employees should be trained and provided with proper equipment before welding near asbestos-containing material.
All risks are greater for welders working in confined spaces. Basically if you collect the fume before it gets airborne you minimise the effects to all staff.
Multi Point Small Bay Application
Single Point 4m Self Supporting Arm system
See left hand side tabs for specific solutions to your welding fume and dust problem!