maybe O/T, but a heath risk no matter what

Sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers and positive thoughts on the way for a fast recovery. I always wear a mask when I grind, but never wore one while welding. I didn't learn about inhalation hazards in any of the welding classes I took. When I started apprenticing for a welder friend of mine he showed me his mask and told me I should get one. After reading your post, I'll wear it all the time now, not just while grinding.

The model # of the 3M mask that I wear is "6391 Respirator P100". On the back of the package under Use For: it lists "metal fumes produced from welding, brazing, cutting and other operations involving heating of metals". The replacement filters I picked up for it recently are model 2091 from 3M. Hopefully this info helps out some for those looking to get a mask. These masks are really light weight and fit under my helmet nicely. I found one on this website. I've never bought from this website, but the link shows what it looks like. http://www.toolsforless.com/product/3685.html

 

My condolensces, Makes me wonder if that shit affects fertility also? I breathed plenty of funky shit as a shipyard welder and after that burning wire in production shops. I have a son but it took in vitro fertilization to get my guys to work. I'll never know I guess. I remember talking to an old welder while I was smoking a marlboro and he said he used to smoke until one day he decided he couldn't breathe the welding fumes and smoke too. Took me another five years to follow suit. I am sorry to hear about your Dad and I'll say a prayer tonight for him. JP

 

Sorry to hear about your dad.....maybe his experience will help some of us in the future. It's another reason why we all should enjoy life every day....who knows what tomorrow will bring?

 

hope your dad gets better.....

 

Sorry about your dad, hopefully telling others about his tragedy will prevent another

John

 

Sorry to hear about your dad. My dad was a welder for 25 years and past away from bladder cancer almost 2 years ago. The doctors felt as though there was a connection between the type of cancer (bladder) and his occupation. He fought for years to have proper ventilation systems put in place and had always mentioned breathing in toxic welding smoke. It was a long and drawn out illness and we watched him suffer, in the end he ended up in hospital with a blockage in his stomach and he couldnt eat or drink either. His organs eventually just shut down.

A friend of mine is a firefighter and apparently they have horrible mortality rate not from being killed by fire, but because of disease caused by breathing in lord knows what kind of crap when they are fighting fires. I am sure welders breath in toxic air on a regular basis.

Good luck, I hope everything turns out for you and your dad.

 

Reviving an old post I just ran across,
I had no idea about this, never heard of it before...

Hope your father is doing better 53SledSleeve

BTT, all HAMB'ers need to read this.

 

Thanks for reviving this thread,my 16 yr old nephew is hoping to make pipeline welding his trade.I'll pass this along.Many of us are all guilty of relaxing safety standards in the home shop,but it's important there too.i also know some pro welders that have ended up with skin cancer in the throught area from the area being exposed (below mask,above clothing).All the best wishes for your Dad,

 

Thanks for bringing this BTTT. I didn't know this either.

 

I too, hope that Sleds dad can continue to improve & am also grateful to have seen this thread. I've already written down the part # for the respirator & the filter #'s. When working @ Big Tex Trailers, we always told 'em that this shit wasn't healthy for anybody. The last time I was out there, it didn't look like they had ever added an air filtration system, of any kind. They just think, " Whaddaya want, the doors are open."
Thanks Again, Sled, for starting this when you did. My hopes & prayers go out to you & yours.

Keep this one at the top, for everyone to see.

 

Ive been welding for the last 35 yrs ,on small ships mostly , stick welding and a bit of mig , ,we used to get sick when we welded gal or zinc coated plated or pipe , we used to get flu like problems after welding all day ,when we went to the doctor they would say we had the flu ,but after a night of the shakes and feeling hot and cold in the morning we were fine , ,one of my mates was welding alluminum in a boat keel, the keel was upside dowm and his head was in the gas [ARGON] all day he ended up in hospital ,was pissing blood and nearly lost his kidneys ,they have a name for it now its called METAL FUME FEVER and it can destroy lots of your internal orgins , the other problem with mig i guess is its hard to vent as you need the gas around the weld to protect it from the air , i used to use no protection in the early days ,i remember once i was in a fuel tank welding and there was so much smoke i couldnt find my way out ,i had to feel my way around the sides untill i found the manhole , i guess i was lucky as i gave up smoking fairly early and have used those throw away resperators for a while now , i think a lot of the trouble was we were told we were wimps if we needed that sort of protection ,ie ears nose ect ,and a lot of boilermakers died pretty young as a result of it ,,regards ,Monte.b

 

Sorry to hear about your Dad Mate & hope he gets well soon.

I'm not a professional Welder, but have used Mig over some years & I am one of those People that suffer bad Headaches when I have breathed in certain Fumes......took me a while to wake up that it was Mig Welding that was causing a problem......I switched to Tig, it is much cleaner, but you still have to be aware like others have said of what Material you are Welding.

 

Thanks for bringing this to the top. I missed it on the first go round.

 

Did he weld a lot of stainless? If so there is fume put of from it, it is called hexavalient chromium. Where I work you have to wear a air hood when welding stainless now.

 

I wear these when I weld
http://store.cyberweld.com/3mpare82n95.html
along with door open, fan etc

 

When you burn ANYTHING and breath the result, your at risk.

I'm 55 and have been a welder since I was 16 or so. Yah, I have been tested and have Manganese toxicity. It permeates every cell and really concentrates in your fat and organs.

Paper masks are next to useless. You need a god seal against your face, like silicone. (I have a class 4 AHERA Asbestos worker's card.)
You need an organic solvents cartridge with a HEPA (purple band)section to catch the important part.

There are special masks for hoods. Get one if you weld daily. Use a fan if you weld occasionally.

Dont willingly breath anything that has burned. There are a LOT of dangerous things present.

Take care of yourself. No one else will.......

 

WELDING SAFETY​

​

The major health hazards in welding and cutting are:
fumes
gases
radiation
noise
various safety factors
manual handling problems
The variables that influence exposure to these hazards include:
variables in the welding process
effect of the work area
effect of the operator
Fumes are fine, solid particles, formed by the following general process:
1. Metal and flux undergo rapid melting accompanied by limited vapourisation
2. Vapours are oxidised
3. Reaction takes place with flux constituents and other materials present
4. Vapours condense and agglomerate to produce fine particles of fume of complex composition.
Gases may be produced in certain welding processes in the following ways:
1. Decomposition of flux or electrode coatings and base metal coatings such as paints and solvents.
2. Reaction products of the shielding gases.
3. Oxidation of elements present in the arc or flame.
4. Photochemical reaction of atmospheric gases due to ultraviolet radiation from the arc or flame.
The electrode coating is a complex mixture of various components such as:
1. Moulding Agents (aluminium and magnesium silicate)
2 Extruding Agents (alginates, starch, glucose and methyl cellulose)
3. Binders (potassium and sodium silicates)
4. Strengthening Agents (mostly mica which has replaced asbestos)
5. Slag Formers (carbonates, silicates, oxides-rutile (TiO<SUB>2</SUB>) and fluorides)
6. Metal Powders (e.g., iron) to act as alloying additions, to increase deposition rate or act as deoxidants
7. Shielding Gas Formers (cellulose, calcium carbonate)
8. Fluxing Agents (fluorspar, calcium carbonate and sodium silicate)
Routes of entry into the body
inhalation
ingestion
skin
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FUMES​

</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">

Substance​

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How Formed​

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Some Potential Health Consequences​

</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Cadmium
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding or cutting of metal coated with cadmium
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">acute irritation of the respiratory passages, delayed pulmonary oedema; lung and kidney damage
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Chromium
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">use of chrome-plated, or stainless steels or of hard-facing and chrome alloy electrodes
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">some forms of chromium have been found to be carcinogenic; other forms are biologically inert
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Cobalt
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding or cutting of certain alloys
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">shortness of breath, pneumonitis
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Fluorides
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">certain fluxes contain fluoride and can give rise to dust, fume and vapour
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">fluoride fumes may cause irritation of eyes, throat, respiratory tract and skin; long-term exposure can lead to bone hardening
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Iron
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding or cutting of ferrous materials
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">siderosis (temporary)
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Lead
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding or cutting of metal coated with lead or lead-based paints
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">central nervous system & gastro-intestinal
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Manganese
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">use of manganese-containing electrode cores, coatings or wire; welding of manganese steel
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">metal fume fever, nervous system
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Molybdenum
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding or cutting of molybdenum-containing alloys
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">bronchial irritation, liver and kidney changes
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Nickel
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding and cutting of nickel-plated and stainless steels
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">irritation of respiratory tract; potentially carcinogenic
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Silica(and silicates)
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">certain fluxes or dirt contamination could cause silica fume emissions
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">silica fume from welding operations is amorphous and not regarded as harmful
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Vanadium
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">use of certain filler wires and special alloy steels
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">eye and respiratory tract irritation; chemical pneumonia
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Zinc
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding or cutting of galvanised steel
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">metal fume fever (transient)
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 14.92%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="14%">Other Metals
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 38.48%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="38%">welding may produce fumes of other metals such as aluminium, copper, magnesium, tin, titanium and tungsten
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46.02%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">no known serious health disorders are known to be due exposure to these fumes
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GASES​

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Substance​

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How Formed​

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Some Potential Health Consequences​

</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Oxides Of Nitrogen
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">formed by the direct combination of oxygen and nitrogen in the air surrounding the arc or flame
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">not a problem in outdoor or open shop welding; in confined spaces can build up to levels that can cause respiratory irritation or delayed pulmonary oedema
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Ozone
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">formed by certain welding operations, particularly when high amperages are involved, by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the air
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">very irritant to the upper respiratory tract and lungs (effect may be delayed)
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Carbon Monoxide
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">reduction of carbon dioxide shielding gas and to some extent in all welding operations due to reduction of consumables or incomplete combustion of acetylene
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">can cause drowsiness, headaches and nausea; unconsciousness and death can result in extreme cases
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Carbon Dioxide
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">shielding gas or combustion product
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">can be an asphyxiant (excludes oxygen)
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Phosgene
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">formed by the oxidation of chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene, etc.) in the atmosphere or on the weldments
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">irritation tot he respiratory tract (and lung damage) after a latent period of several hours
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Phosphine
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">formed when welding steel coated with rust proofing compound
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">irritating to the eyes, nose and skin; may also cause serious effects on lungs and other organs
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Lack Of Oxygen
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">inert gases (argon, helium, etc.) exclude oxygen from confined spaces (as can carbon dioxide)
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">can cause asphyxiation
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 15%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="15%">Pyrolysis Products
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 39%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="39%">formed by the thermal decomposition of the resins in primers and paints - could include phenol, formaldehyde, acrolein, isocyanates and hydrogen cyanide
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 46%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="46%">can cause a wide variety of health effects
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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Worksafe Australia Exposure Standards​

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Compound ​

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TWA
(8 hour average)​

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Short Term Exposure Limit
(15 min)​

</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Carbon Dioxide (CO<SUB>2</SUB>)
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">5,000 ppm
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">30,000 ppm
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Carbon Monoxide (CO)
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">30 ppm
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">-
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Chromium (Cr)
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">0.5 mg/m3
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">none specified
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Copper (Cu)
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">0.2 mg/m3
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">none specified
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Fluorides
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">2.5 ppm
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">none specified
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Nickel (Ni)
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">1.0 mg/m3
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">none specified
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Nitrogen Dioxide
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">3 ppm
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">5 ppm
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Ozone
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">0.1 ppm
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">peak limitation
</TD></TR><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 33%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="33%">Total Welding Fume
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 25%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="25%">5 mg/m3
</TD><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 3.75pt; PADDING-LEFT: 3.75pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.75pt; WIDTH: 41%; PADDING-TOP: 3.75pt" width="41%">none specified
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Notes: Short term exposure limit (STEL) means a 15 minute time weighted exposure which should not be exceeded at any time during a working day even if the 8 hour average is within the exposure standard. Exposures at the STEL should not be longer than 15 minutes and should not be repeated more than 4 times per day. There should be at least 60 minutes between successive exposures at the STEL. A peak limitation should not be exceeded at any time. If required the STEL for carbon monoxide may be derived from the National Commission Documentation.<o></o>
CONTROL OPTIONS
elimination, substitution and process modification
engineering controls administrative controls use of personal protective equipment
<o></o>

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Reference:
Welding Technology Institute of Australia, Health and Safety in Welding<o></o>

 

sorry guys for taking up some space with the last post but its very interesting reading.....I just signed up for an 8 week advanced course in mig and arc....I will be interested to see whats said....we have a big need for welders in australia at the moment...anyway, hope your dad is doing OK, the older generation worked in some tough enviroments and its up to us, now, to look out for ourselves, sometimes companies chasing quick $$$ puts its workers at risk by not following safety proceedures...DONT PUT UP WITH IT. SPEAK UP AT WORK... Im sick of picking big black boogies after a good days work too......Bert

 

Sled
First I want to say Thank You for this post I think it's going to cause people to be more aware of the hazards not only of welding but all the issues we face as hobbyist and professionals.
I worked in an Allied Trades Shop for the U.S. Air Force at Vandenberg AFB where we did repair, fabrication, body & fender, painting, upholstery, and anything other then mechanics on everything from sedans to R-9 Refuelers and I too had times where I lost my ability to taste and smell for a couple days and I thought it was from shooting Polyurathane paint but now I think it could have welding fumes as well as the paint (we didn't get fresh air respirators until the 1990's).
Thanks Again and your Father is in my prayers.

 

Parkinson's disease can come on fast (as noted) or at a slow pace. My Mother in law (who lives with us) is in her 12th year of being diagnosed with PD. She is VERY active with the NPF (National Parkinson's Foundation) and is the chapter president here in AZ. Watch out, you think joining a gang is tough..... Anyway, she stays busy as much as possible but we definitely see cycles in her activity. It seems to always be a balancing act with ever-changing medication regimens. There are always new advancements and my M.I.L., for one, stays current with all of that. My point is, I guess, is that PD isn't necessarily a death sentence but is certainly a life altering disease. There is ALOT of support out there, If your Dad has this, please have him join the NPF and get involved, I honestly think it has kept my M.I.L. going!

www.parkinson.org

 

I hope that all goes well with your father. A sincere thanks for the heads up.
Best Wishes,
Brendan

 

I want to first say THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to read this post, and to bring it back up to the top. I can't stress enough the importance of this. Its something that I think almost every one of us has taken for granted at one point or another. Just a quick tack here, just a few welds there. I'm guilty as hell of doing it. Because of this, I ABSOLUTELY refuse to weld now unless there is some sort of constant fresh air source, and I use a silicone mask at ALL TIMES. The paper masks.....don't even bother. You're just wasting money. I was, WAS being the key word, a certified welder as a Pipefitter/Steamfitter. I no longer weld. Every company around makes you watch dozens of safety videos, we all have to take safety modules in the Safe2Work program, we have toolbox talks every Monday about safe work practices. But yet, when you ask them for circulating fans, HEPA masks, fresh air sources, exhaust vents.....basic safety procedures for welding, you're made out like you're being a pain in the ass. Its very hypocritcal. "Be safe, don't hurt your back, don't fall, don't sue us....but don't ask for anything either" seems to be the new moto in Corporate America. So I solved the problem myself...I refuse at all costs to weld, or be near welding, cutting torches...anything...unless the proper safety procedures are in place.

As far as my dad goes, I was over at my parents house yesterday. 2 years ago, he was 6'2" and around 250 of solid muscle. Now he's down to 165 pounds, he can't lift shit anymore, he can barely climb a ladder without getting winded, and he's had to switch jobs in his company to something that isn't as labor intensive. I would LOVE to name who he works for, but that would screw him over. They've basically given him a gravy job in hopes that he won't sue them, but at the same time they are figuring out a way to deny any knowledge of hazards due to welding. Fortunately, but sadly, there are 7 other welders now that have the same condition. They have all banded together and spoken with an attorney privately to handle a case against their company. There's a very good chance they all will recieve a good chunck of change each for damages, but its not going to make them any healthier...and no amount of money is worth your health.

As far as living with Parkinsons. I agree it can be done, and you can lead a great life. The sad part is, last year my parents bought 10 acres in here in Michigan to build their retirement home on. My folks dream was to build, themselves, a large log cabin retirement home. That's out of the question now. My dad is distrought about this. They're still going to do it, but they'll have to contract it out and have it built. Its going to be the same end result, but he wanted to build it himself. He'll be lucky if he could mow the lawn up there now. I've been doing all of the yard work....snow shoveling, lawn mowing, landscaping, etc... for him since last year, so even though he'll have his dream retirement home, he's not going to be well enough to enjoy it. No fishing, no canoeing....nothing.

I'm not saying this to provoke some sob story....I'm just relaying this story in hopes that maybe someone will think twice next time about welding in the garage with the door closed. There are most definitely adverse effects to welding, and they will stay with you forever.

Thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers for my dad. They didn't go unappreciated!

 

Hope for the best for your dad and your family, and thanks for posting this information for all of us.

 

My grandfather(mom's) died before i was born,because of workplace poisoning (creasote plant-pole yard).The poisoning destroyed his nervous system.Any workplace that ignores safety hazards,should be stopped,but they prey on the workers fears of unemployment/economic hardships.Hope your Dad and his workmates get some help and compensation.

 

I feel bad for your Dad and your family. I know this story all too well. I work for a nationwide medical oxygen company. We have alot of former welders on oxygen. They keep us in business. Most of them smoked too. My wife is a chemo nurse at a big cancer center. She sees the same thing there.

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael

 

Jeeze not good mate. I hope that things can improve for your old man and your family it's tough I know. I lost my Dad to Cancer that started in his lungs but being the small cell variety spread very rapidly. Yes he used to smoke(Rollie's not premades) but gave up 5 years prior. He used to be a "real" panel beater- lead wiping,metal finishing etc and used to be a painting contractor(lead based paints) and nobody said that that it was dangerous.
I have a gasless mig welder and I became very efficient with it. Usually I would leave the garage door open when welding but many a time if there was no breeze it just hung in the garage. After the roll ran out I went to get another and the guy behind the counter said that I was crazy using the gasless stuff as it is Carcinogenic. Didn't need to be convinced twice so I switched to normal wire and got a bottle. While I was at it I got a mask that had twin respirators that the filters are designed to filter welding fumes.
Not long after that at work I collapsed and was rushed to hospital the diagnosis Brain Tumor. After many tests they could operate and a 2 inch dia tumor was removed. The tumor was tested and found to be type 3 and parts type 4. I have also had to undergo Radiotherapy and Chemo therapy(on going). I am alive and I have a story to tell to anybody that will listen.
Your nasal passages are the quickest way to your brain and I think back at how many black boogers I had and also how many colourful ones there were also(painting). Did it cause the tumor we don't know but it gives you something to think about.
Regards
Petrolhead