Welding fumes can pose serious health risks as they penetrate deep into the lungs. Welding professionals face occupational hazards daily, with fume inhalation standing out as a primary concern. Welding fumes are a toxic mix of gases and fine particles that, once inhaled, can lead to significant lung damage.
The Dangers of Welding Fumes on Lung Health
When welding, two types of particles are released into the air. Smaller, ultra-fine particles are particularly hazardous as they’re easily inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. The type of welding materials and process can influence the amount of dust emitted, with these ultra-fine particles being especially harmful. Inhaled welding particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, reaching various lung regions and causing potential long-term health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified welding as a cause of lung cancer due to these risks.
In addition to particles, gases released during welding, such as argon and carbon dioxide, are also harmful. Carbon monoxide inhalation, for example, can cause suffocation, while other gases like hydrogen chloride, phosgene, hydrogen, and cyanide pose additional risks. Long-term exposure may lead to severe health effects ranging from eye, nose, and throat irritation to cancer, kidney damage, and even Parkinson’s disease.
Reducing Exposure with Effective Dust Collectors and Extraction Solutions
Envirox provides a range of Nederman dust collectors, mobile filters, and extraction arms designed to minimize exposure by capturing fumes at the source. These solutions ensure that welding fumes are removed before they reach the welder, promoting a safer workspace.
Nederman 10 Series FilterBox: This versatile filter unit can be used as a mobile solution on wheels or attached to a floor stand. It is ideal for light to medium dust and fumes in both industrial and hygienic settings. With 99% separation efficiency, it offers manual or automatic cleaning options, triggered when airflow is low.
Nederman Twin Series FilterBox: This economical option supports two workstations for light to medium applications. It includes two 3m Nederman extraction arms and a powerful 2.2kW fan, achieving airflow up to 850 m³ per hour.
FilterCart Original Portable Extractor: Ideal for light-duty welding, odours, and extraction, this mobile unit is easily manoeuvrable and can be equipped with a 3m extraction arm to accommodate larger workspaces.
Original Extraction Arms: Perfect for welding smoke, fume, and dust, these arms offer 360° manoeuvrability and are available in 2m, 3m, and 4m lengths. They can be mounted on various surfaces, making them adaptable to different setups.
NEX HD Extraction Arm: Built for high-temperature, high-airflow environments, this arm is ideal for heavy-duty applications, including welding, grinding, and metal spraying. With a 360° swivel, it is available in lengths of 2m to 5m, providing flexibility for demanding settings.
Envirox’s expertise ensures that each welding environment is equipped with the ideal fume extraction solution. For businesses needing high-quality welding fume extraction, Envirox offers reliable solutions to protect welders and maintain air quality. Visit Envirox for more on safe, effective welding fume extraction equipment tailored to your needs.
