The type and severity of health conditions caused by exposure to welding fume depend directly on the type of metal being welded. Welding galvanized steel fumes, for example, can lead to metal fume fever. Characterized by flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, fatigue, aches, nausea and metallic taste, metal fume fever usually lasts no more than a day.
Long term welding effects are far more serious conditions, especially with long-term exposure. Fumes from stainless steel welding often contain hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen recognized by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Exposure to hexavalent chromium can lead to a number of serious conditions including lung and nasal cancers as well as liver and kidney failure.
D'autres métaux cancérigènes peuvent être présents dans les fumées de soudure, notamment le nickel, le béryllium, l'arsenic et le cadmium. Des concentrations élevées de cadmium peuvent être mortelles, même après une première exposition.
Mais le cancer n'est qu'une des nombreuses affections pouvant résulter de l'inhalation prolongée de fumées de soudage. Les travailleurs risquent également de développer :
- Bronchite
- Asthme
- Pneumonie
- Emphysème
- Pneumoconiose
- Diminution de la capacité pulmonaire
- Silicose
- Sidérose
- Maladie cardiaque
- Maladie de la peau
- Gastrite chronique (inflammation de l'estomac)
- Gastroduodénite (inflammation de l'estomac ou de l'intestin grêle)
- Ulcères de l'estomac et de l'intestin grêle
- Problèmes de reproduction
Smoke from welding also releases a number of gases that pose an immediate threat to worker health. Helium, argon and carbon dioxide can displace oxygen in the room and lead to suffocation when welding in an enclosed area. Carbon monoxide may also form, putting welders at risk of asphyxiation