Texas Welding Fumes Attorney

What are the Hazards of Welding?

Welding smoke or fumes are a mix of fine particles and gases; many of the particles, including arsenic, asbestos, manganese, carbon monoxide, lead and others, are very toxic. These harmful fumes and gases may come from any of the elements in the process, including the material being welded, the filler material used in brazing or soldering, or coatings and paints on the metal being welded.

There are regulations requiring specific safety measures to prevent injury to welders from welding fumes. Proper ventilation is essential to protect against welding fumes, and welding in closed spaces requires the use of a self-contained breathing appapparatus. If there is any cancer-causing substance present in the air, respirators must be provided and workers properly trained in their use.

Because there are so many harmful substances in welding fumes, it is difficult to list all possible side effects. Some of the components can be fatal in a short time, such as phosgene gas and cadmium. Other welding fumes may only create short-term stomach ailments or breathing problems. Long-term side effects can include lung cancer, other lung problems, heart disease and skin disease.

In addition to these health problems, there is another disease called manganism, which closely resembles Parkinson's disease or parkinsonism. Manganism or parkinsonism develops after years of exposure to welding fumes containing manganese. Unfortunately, OSHA does not presently require that special ventilation or respirators be provided when manganese fumes are encountered during welding.

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