September 10, 2003—More than 400,000 men and women are employed in welding and related occupations in the US, according to estimates. Some studies suggest that occupational exposures to welding fumes may pose the risk of serious respiratory, neurological, and reproductive effects. However, the available data generally are too limited to offer conclusive answers, so the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is working with partners in the welding industry to secure more and better data for scientists and policymakers.
NIOSH recently published a comprehensive review of scientific literature on health effects associated with welding. The article, “Health Effects of Welding,” noted that past investigations have found bronchitis, airway irritation, and other respiratory illnesses in large numbers of welders.
As the article also noted, some studies have suggested that welding fumes may pose risks for lung cancer and nervous system damage. This is because such fumes may contain nickel, chromium, and manganese; nickel and hexavalent chromium are classified as potential occupational carcinogens, while studies have associated chronic exposure to manganese with a risk for a Parkinson’s-like disease. But data are lacking for 1) determining whether welders are exposed to those or other fume components at levels that could trigger such effects, and 2) understanding how exposures at given levels may lead to serious, long-term effects.
NIOSH is therefore continuing epidemiological studies as well as toxicology studies to gain more data. At NIOSH’s laboratory in West Virginia, scientists installed a sophisticated robotic arm that can be programmed to weld at specific intensities, using specified techniques, for given durations. This device allows NIOSH to generate welding fumes under realistic conditions; the fumes are then collected and studied.
The article “Health Effects of Welding” was published in the journal Critical Reviews in Toxicology. For additional information on the article, the NIOSH studies, or the NIOSH computerized welding arm, contact James M. Antonini, NIOSH Health Effects Laboratory Division.
