During welding the dust emitted can include a combination of poisonous gases and particles, that when inhaled can harm the lungs. These gas particles emitted into the air can include small particles and larger particles. The smaller particles are easier to inhale and can be absorbed by the lungs quicker than the larger particles as they are ultra-fine and can make their way to different areas of the lungs. Due to this the World Health Organisation has classified welding particles as carcinogenic, and a possible cause of lung cancer.
The damage done to the lung through the inhalation of welding fumes, is dependent on the length of exposure and the type of fumes the welder is exposed to. Health effects can range from irritation of the eye, nose and throat, as well as dizziness and nausea to cancers, metal fume fever, stomach ulcers, kidney damage, nervous system damage, and even Parkinson’s disease.
When these particles are inhaled and absorbed, it is also the gases that accompany them that can cause problems, such as argon, carbon monoxide and other gases released. If carbon monoxide is inhaled over a long period of time and/or in large quantities there is a possibility of suffocation and even further damage to the lungs, while other gases such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene, hydrogen, formalin and cyanide.
To ensure that the fumes do not reach the welder and other employees on the workshop floor during the welding process, the installation of a suitable air filtration system is needed. An air filtration system will eradicate the emission of welding gases and fumes effectively and efficiently.
Envirox is the supplier of Nederman’s range of quality dust filtrations systems for welding fumes, and can offer effective solutions for all client’s needs. For occasional welding operations and welding maintenance, a cost-effective solution, provided by Envirox is the Nederman FilterCart,
The Nederman FilterCart Original is a portable extractor which allows the dust collector to come to the welder. It offers a versatile and robust performance for all industrial light-duty welding, and odour and extraction applications. It is available with an additional 3m extraction arm for a larger working rage. It also includes a spotlight for more detailed welding.
Specifications include:
- Airflow in the arm from 750 to 1050 m³
- HEPA filter of 99.97% and an area of 7.5 m²
- Main filter area of 35 m²
For all your welding fume extraction needs, through years of experience within the industry, Envirox has the knowledge on providing effective solutions for all needs. Contact Envirox for all your dust collector needs.
