Welding, Cutting and Brazing for Construction:

Health Concerns
Welding, cutting, brazing and other hot work can result in health hazards associated with
welding fumes and light exposure.

Welding Fume Hazards

During hot work you may encounter these chemicals in welding fumes. You need to know
WHERE they may be and WHAT they can do to you.

Welding Fume Source Health Hazards

Chemical
Zinc – Brass, galvanized metals – Flu-like symptoms
and various other alloys – "Metal fume fever"
– Welding or cutting zinc-
coated metals may create
zinc oxide fumes
Cadmium – Rust-preventive coating on – Lung irritation
steel – Pulmonary edema (fluid in the
– Alloying element lungs)
– Paint – Emphysema
– Kidney damage
– Cancer
– Death
Beryllium – Alloying element with – Chemical pneumonia
copper and other base – Shortness of breath
metals – Chronic cough
– Coal slag abrasive blasting – Weight loss
– Fatigue
– General weakness
Iron – Principal alloying element – Irritation of nasal passages, throat
in steel manufacturing and lungs
– During welding, iron oxide – Iron pigmentation of the lungs
fumes arise from base
metal and electrode

This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL courseware.
© COPYRIGHT Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
 Welding Fume Source Health Hazards
Chemical
Mercury – Coating on metals to – Stomach pains
prevent rust or foliage – Diarrhea
growth (such as in marine – Kidney damage
paints) – Respiratory failure
– Arc or gas flame will – Tremors
produce mercury vapors – Emotional instability
– Hearing damage

Lead – Lead-based paint – Lead poisoning

– Metallic taste
– Loss of appetite
– Nausea
– Abdominal cramps
– Insomnia
– Anemia
– Weakness
– Damage to brain, central nervous
system, circulatory system,
reproductive system, kidneys and
muscles
Paints and – May or may not be lead- – Toxic fumes
coatings based
Fluorides – Flux coatings – Irritation of eyes, nose and throat
– Pulmonary edema
– Bone damage
– Skin rashes
Chlorinated – Removing oils from metals – Damage to lung tissue via
hydrocarbon prior to painting phosgene gas
solvents – Degreasing or cleaning
operations
Carbon – Fuel combustion – Pounding of the heart
monoxide – Inert gas shield – Dull headache
– Flashes of light in your vision
– Dizziness
– Ringing in the ears
– Nausea
– Weakness
– Altered thinking and confusion
– Unconsciousness
– Death

This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL courseware.
© COPYRIGHT Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
 Welding Fume Source Health Hazards
Chemical
Ozone and – High-intensity ultraviolet – Irritation of the mucous membranes
nitrogen oxides light reacting with air – Headache
– Chest pain
– Dryness of upper respiratory tract
– Pulmonary edema
Hexavalent – Stainless steel – Asthma
chromium – Chrome-finished parts – Damage to the nasal passages and
skin
– Increased risk of lung cancer

This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL courseware.
© COPYRIGHT Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
Welding Fume Hazard Controls

Personal protective equipment, such as respirators, should NEVER be the only protection you
have against welding fumes.

Safe Clothing Unsafe Clothing

• Wool, denim, canvas or heavy cotton • Synthetic fibers
• Properly fitted • Frayed or worn
• Long-sleeve shirts, welding jackets or • Unbuttoned cuffs or open pockets
coveralls • Material with grease and solvents

Depending on the hot work operation, you may need to wear:

• Welding helmets
• Goggles or safety glasses with side shields
• Respirators
• Hearing protection
• Insulated welding gloves
• Leather shoes

Choose the appropriate shade levels for specific hot work exposures.

Radiation and Light Hazards

Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)

Electric arc in welding generates ultraviolet radiation (UV), which can cause:
• Severe skin burns
• Damage to eyes
• Skin cancer

For protection against UV, wear welding helmets and protective clothing.

Infrared Radiation (IR)

Electric arc and flame-based cutting equipment generate infrared radiation (IR), which may
cause thermal burns.

For protection against IR, wear welding helmets or goggles and protective clothing.

Visible Light
Arc welding generates intense, visible light that can damage the retinas of your eyes when you
see it or its reflection.

Wear appropriate welding helmets, safety glasses or goggles when you are arc welding.

To protect people who will be around potentially damaging visible light, use welding curtains
and post warning signs.

This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL courseware.
© COPYRIGHT Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.