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Welding fumes

Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
CAS No.
RTECS No.
ZC2550000
DOT ID & Guide
Formula
Conversion
IDLH
Ca [N.D.]
See: IDLH INDEX
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
Ca See Appendix A
OSHA PEL
none See Appendix G
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7300 , 7301 , 7303
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Fumes generated by the process of joining or cutting pieces of metal by heat, pressure, or both.
Molecular Weight
Properties vary depending upon the specific component of the welding fumes.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Varies
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending upon the specific component of the welding fumes; metal fume fever: flu-like symptoms, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), cough, muscle pain, fever, chills; interstitial pneumonitis; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
Cancer Site
[lung cancer]
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin:No recommendation
Eyes:No recommendation
Wash skin:No recommendation
Remove:No recommendation
Change:No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye:Irrigate immediately
Skin:Soap wash
Breathing:Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also
INTRODUCTION
Page last reviewed: October 30, 2019
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health