I agree that is the individuals responsibility. However, many welders work under questionable circumstances and feel that if they complain about the fumes to their employers, that they maybe ridiculed or possibly even fired. So, I think that employers should be held responsible for not only providing literature about the possible hazards, but also actively pursue adequate ventilation for welders working in confined spaces.

Your article on Metal Fumes is a great reference read for welders. Everyone working in the welding field should be familiar with possible exposure to dangerous chemicals in the work space. 

You're right. It really is the employer's responsibility as far as the liability issue. And there are all sorts of rules on this. And court of law, etc. Insurance companies are getting tough on companies and mandating that they are more pro-active (preventative) in terms of safety.

But on a day to day basis, real-world, I consider my own self to be the one who is ultimately responsible for my health and safety.

There are metal fume masks available that will take care of all the welding fumes. They are disposable and cost $60 for 10 of them. Perhaps a bit more expensive now. Individually packaged, though, at a home-mechanic supply company, they will be 2-3 times that cost.

Since there have been several questions on health and safety, I will put up some good info and resources here soon. Will get permission to link to my favorite suppliers.

VRock

Victor has a handy MSDS listing.

I welded through my three pregnancies, but I consulted a doctor before continuing to weld. I was told to contact the respirator company and describe what kind of work I did so that the respirator I used was appropriate for the kinds of fumes, dust that I would be dealing with.

3M makes respirators that protect from fumes and welding odors. That really helped during periods of morning sickness. Now, I use 3M-8212.

I was also told to shower as soon as possible after welding to remove any metals that might be absorbed through my skin.

Unfortunately, the end user is usually more motivated to find the safety equipment for themselves than an employer.

Elizabeth M. Meadows
Mother, Metal Sculptor in that order.

"Gotta love a gal with an anvil."
-Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

"I was also told to shower as soon as possible after welding to remove any metals that might be absorbed through my skin."

Never heard of that one Elizabeth. I know lots of stinky welders that sure don't concern themselves with immediate showers after welding all day. I wonder just how true the facts are of absorbing metals through the skin...

You know I've heard of people drinking water from copper cups to gain the healing benefits of copper absorption by ingestion. And I've seen my hands turn into verde patina when working/grinding copper, but I've never associated these things as being harmful.

You got me wondering now!

My wife wears a copper armband all the time. (Her wrist is usually green. ha!) I have one also, but cannot wear it more than about 3-4 weeks at a time because I start having a real dry feeling in my mouth. I know then, that it is time to stop wearing it. I will have it off for several months then, while I recover. We each have different tolerances and needs for things, I guess.

Rick Crawford at Smoky Forge

"Certain metals, and many metal-based compounds, are inherently toxic, and their presence in occupational and environmental settings raises appropriate questions concerning human exposure. Search on the internet for "metals and the skin" and you'll find some heavy reading on toxicity of metals that may be absorbed through the skin. My ultrasound doc was a genetics specialist who had some knowledge of occupational hazards that affect could potentially affect a fetus. I really believe that it's best to keep as much of my self covered while I weld recycled metals because I don't know what's on the metals, what it sat in at the scrap yard before I got to it, etc...While pregnant you are constantly made aware of what you do potentially affecting the child in utero. "No drinking, no smoking, no x-rays (unless it's an ultrasound) etc." Better to be over cautious, I think. I used to work as a metal finisher in a sign company. We used large amounts of acetone to remove fingerprints or stains from the finished metals. Some folks worked bare handed. All you have to do is read the warning label to understand that certain chemicals pass through the skin to your nervous system. I'm not a fan of chemicals. That's why I'm an organic gardener. We are exposed to a broad spectrum of chemicals in our food, our water, the air everyday. Why risk more exposure doing something I love? Getting off my soapbox for now;) Elizabeth M. Meadows Mother, Metal Sculptor in that order. "Gotta love a gal with an anvil." -Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

I agree with you on that "Why risk more exposure doing something I love?"

I do organic gardening although it is not certified as such. I revel in the idea of the exquisitely fine nutrients that are coming from the ground, into the vegetable, into me. And I thank the plant and tell it that it will be living on and appreciated even in the wintertime.

VRock

i am pregnant and start school on december third to be certified. I was wondering if there is any dangers.
Please contact me at martha4shaw@yahoo.com.

Thanks any info is good.

Your comment was very helpful for me I have been welding for about a year and I just found out that Im pregnet and I was very concerned about welding and the light. Im only 6 weeks I have not been welding because I am recovering from a broken foot, I will be going out on the floor in 2 days. I feel better now that I know its ok. I will be going to my first doctors apointment on April 1st.
Thanks again
Maricela

I am 16 weeks pregnant. As I work in the construction industry, I was around the welders for 2 days. As it was an open section I tried not to get too close to them but I am still really worried that it was dangerous to my baby. anyone know anything about it, I want to know if there was a danger to my baby? I am so scared.

Obviously, the best person to answer this question is your ob/gyn doctor who is already familiar with your health situation. That said, I seriously doubt that two days exposure to moderate levels of welding fumes is going to cause any problems to your baby. You said it was an open area, so the good ventilation should have reduced exposure levels to a minimum. Still, your doctor is your best source of information - only he/she knows your whole situation and health history.

Worrying is bad for you and your baby. Try not to do that, okay?

Rich

Thanks you very much for your advice.

If an employer fires an employee for requesting safety equipment, they open themselves up to the possibility of a lawsuit. OSHA exists so that employees can report unsafe work environments, so that no one is injured at work.

The employer will be closed down and fined if the safety situation is not rectified within a reasonable period of time.

Elizabeth M. Meadows
Mother, Metal Sculptor in that order.

"Gotta love a gal with an anvil."
-Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

I've always been pretty cavalier about wearing a mask when welding or grinding, being a natural born risk taker.

However, just about a month ago I discovered I had a large cancerous tumor perched atop my left kidney! I had kidney and tumor surgically removed and now feel great. No prior symptoms other than peeing blood for a couple of days.

The question remains as to whether grinding or breathing fumes had anything to do with the cancer?

I will be more careful now!
John

web site: www.johnesimms.com

By now my cumulative exposures are enormous i'm sure.
I've had severe metal fume fever 3 times ( it can get real vivid!). The tremor in my hands is irritating/frustrating sometimes.
I did not volunteer for the year i spent in cancer treatment.
Alex is correct in wearing a positive pressure mask when welding...especially for stick and MIG,plasma cutting, and anything with zinc (galv or brass).
A welding fume filter helps but doesn't take out a lot of nasty stuff.
The need for a particle filter also extends to grinding, sanding, buffing.
We are talking about stuff that collects and stays in your lungs and cuts off oxygen bit by bit.
I've a collection of old filter mask elements that eventually will cover a wall...they look nasty, real graphic!
For years i never bothered...never expected to live this long...shining it on was a stupid mistake.
But; I'm not quite dead yet..wish all of you the same...grin....pete fels

I'm no doctor, but to all those who doubt what your skin might allow into your body -- don't forget that your skin is your largest organ, and the one that interfaces your body with your environment. The skin BREATHES, and also breathes in plenty from your environment. I've been at events where people start to feel sick after being body-painted with latex paint -- their skin could no longer breathe and their body was essentially asphyxiating. Looked nice, but felt bad...
(that was burning man, yes)

regards,

ben

I just read everyones comments on the health issues with welding and have decided to back out of a fully payed for pre- apprenticeship program at the University of Guelph. I felt at the time it was a great opportunity but just found out that I'm pregnant. I think the health concerns seem very serious long and short term, especially to the baby inside me. I just quit smoking cigs and taking a welding course seems like it would undermind my decision to eat healthy, take my vitamins and quit dirty habits. I will not put my baby at risk . Thank you for all the information and I respect the jobs that you do but it just isn't for me. Thanks. Peace out Jamie