Neurological  complications and disorders of the central nervous system have been definitively linked to exposure to welding fumes and smoke.  There is no question that exposure to welding fumes can cause serious health problems. When inhaled, these fumes can enter the lungs, bloodstream, brain nerve cells, spinal cord and other organs resulting in both short and long term health issues.  Studies show when placed right next to the area where the welding is taking place, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) reduces exposure to welding smoke and fumes. Contrary to common practice, attempts to reduce exposure by setting up fans or opening up windows and doors has been proven to be an ineffective way to protect workers. Research data tell us that welders that work in enclosed areas without LEV are subject to much higher levels of exposure to dangerous welding fumes.  The information gleaned from exhaustive studies regarding the dangers of exposure to Hexavalent Chromium or Cr(VI) has led OSHA to set new strict standards and guidelines.   It is important to note that the deadline for implementing engineering controls as part of an industrial ventilation system is May 31, 2010.  1910.1026 Chromium (VI). 

In the "hot work" of the welding process Cr(VI) some materials such as stainless steel, the chromium is not originally hexavalent but is converted by the high temperatures involved.  In order to protect their workforce, all employers should ensure that proper industrial ventilation systems are incorporated into welding work areas. These systems, which include ventilation hoods, ducted overhead units, portables, ambient air cleaners or backdraft units, filter walls and booths efficiently source capture toxic fumes and gases and remove them so that they never enter the welder's breathing space.

Because of the May 31, 2010 deadline OSHA has established which tightens the standards on Hexavalent Chromium exposure in the workplace, much attention has justifiably been directed at the dangers of welding stainless steel.  But there are many other reasons for making sure all weld operations have the proper fume extraction systems in place for weld smoke and fumes:

Welding as a process most commonly applies high heat to a welding rod that serves as a metal filler for fusing other pieces of metal.   Many of these welding rods contain a high amount of manganese because it strengthens the metals  being joined.  The action of heating and melting metals produces a gas, so when welders breathe in the smoke and fumes released in many welding processes, they are taking manganese toxins into their lungs which then very quickly travel to their bloodstream.  Fume extraction must be the highest priority.

One of the most documented ill-effects of toxic environmental exposure is Manganese poisoning - and welders test at a higher than normal average of manganese exposure.  Frequent exposure to high levels of manganese over long work periods can result in a disease known as manganism, also known as "Welder's Disease".  Another common label is Parkinson’s Syndrome because the symptoms mimic Parkinson’s Disease.  A crippling and incurable disease, it depresses the central nervous system's natural ability to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter in charge of regulating movement, emotion, motivation and the feeling of pleasure.  The outward manifestations of Parkinson’s Syndrome include shakiness or tremors especially in upper body areas, decreased facial expressions, slowed or stiffer movements, swallowing problems, and slurred or slowed speech.  Welders exposed to the manganese fumes from welding rods are likely to develop side effects and symptoms of Parkinson’s 15 years earlier than the average individual who is not. 

Unfortunately, manganese is not the only hazard of welding fume exhaust and the often related process of torch-cutting.  Go to lhsfna.org to see a list of the other common toxins listed by OSHA that are released during these operations.

Solution: Choosing the right system to insure Employee safety.  Industrial Maid can help.

Finding the best welding ventilation system to capture and remove welding smoke and fumes is important but it doesn't have to be complicated.  At Industrial Maid we have engineers with years of experience when it comes to putting together all of the factors you need to consider when implementing an air filtration system.  We have included a few application pictures here to demonstrate that there are many options when designing a fume extraction plan. 

At Industrial Maid we use the newest technology to design and manufacture air filtration equipment that will address the problems all business face including space, air flow, costs, efficiency and challenges that are specific to the type of material being welded.  Another important consideration is the type of filters that best suit the fume extraction system you choose.  Give us a call at TF: 877-624-3247 or send us an email: sales@industrial-maid.com. We carry a full line of pleat, bag, and HEPA filters so be sure to ask our staff which would be best for handling welding fume exhaust.