Welding and Cutting Fume Extraction

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) initially classified welding fumes as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." However, after more research, the agency has now re-classified the fumes from welding as a Class 1 carcinogen. This means the health of welders and their colleagues is at risk if they are not well protected from welding fumes in the workplace. Businesses that perform welding tasks should take the necessary actions and have suitable fume extraction systems to ensure their workers are safe.

Fumes from the welding process contain two particularly hazardous elements:

Exceptionally fine metal particles that are released while welding. These microscopic particles are not individually visible to the human eye but can build up quickly and the risk of inhaling them is substantial. This metal dust contains any number of toxic metals, like lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, aluminium, nickel, tin, and silver produced from the piece being welded and the welding consumables.

Potentially toxic gases originating from heated metal combining with welding rods or wires. Some examples are carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, ozone, and nitrogen. And others such as carbon dioxide and helium, two protective gasses that are integral to the welding process.

When inhaled, these fumes can cause serious lung diseases and damage to the brain and nervous system. Typical complications after long exposure to welding fumes are, according to IARC, various cancers, emphysema, kidney failure, lead poisoning and anaemia, Parkinson's-like symptoms, metal fume fever, irritation of the nose, sinuses, throat and lungs, and asthma. The damage welding fumes can cause can occur slowly without any outward signs.

Protection against health hazards

Fortunately, welders do not need to be exposed to the dangers of welding fume. The best way of protecting the workplace and workers is by capturing welding fume at the source or local ventilation. There are various kinds of extractors, including those suitable for light, moderate, or heavy-duty welding applications. If the extraction arms are positioned well, according to the specific requirements of the workplace, the particles and welding smoke will be captured before it spreads to the local environment and throughout the facility.

All the protective gear a welder or grinder may need is available on our website. Each product has a clear explanation of how to use it and in which situation it works best. Plymovent offers welding fume extractors, which cater to every situation, both indoor and outdoor. Besides stationary extractors, there are portable and mobile fume extractors also.