Welding Fume & Manganese
Welding fume is a cloud of tiny metal particles and gases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies welding fume as a cause of lung cancer in people. Manganese in fume can damage the nervous system. Good ventilation and keeping your head out of the plume make a big difference.
- Welders & fabricators
- Ironworkers
- Pipefitters
Photo: welder using a portable fume extractor arm positioned near the arc, with the plume being drawn away
What’s in the fume
| Source | Contaminant | Health effects |
|---|---|---|
| Most steel and many rods and wires | Iron oxide, manganese | Lung irritation; manganese can cause tremors, slow movement and mood changes (manganism) with long exposure |
| Stainless steel, chrome coatings | Hexavalent chromium, nickel | Lung cancer, asthma, skin and nose damage. See Hexavalent Chromium |
| Galvanized steel | Zinc oxide | Metal fume fever: flu-like chills, fever and aches hours after welding |
| Painted or coated metal | Lead, cadmium, other coatings | Lead poisoning, kidney and lung damage. See Lead |
| The arc and shielding gases | Ozone, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide; argon, CO2 | Lung irritation; shielding gases can displace oxygen in tight spaces |
Controlling exposure
- Local exhaust ventilation: a fume extractor arm or fume gun capturing fume at the arc, positioned as close as practical.
- Keep your head out of the plume. Position yourself so the fume rises away from your face; work upwind outdoors.
- Remove coatings (paint, galvanizing) from the weld area first, when practical, using methods that don’t create more hazards.
- Choose lower-fume processes and consumables where possible.
- General ventilation in shops and enclosed areas.
- Respirators when controls aren’t enough, especially in tight spaces and on stainless. PAPR welding helmets are common. See PAPRs.
Confined spaces: welding in tanks, vessels and pits can quickly build up fume and use up or displace oxygen. Test the air, ventilate, and follow confined space rules. See Confined Spaces and Inert Gas Asphyxiation.
Know your exposure
- What base metal, coating and rod or wire you’re using (check the SDS)
- Whether air monitoring has been done for your job, and the results
- Whether you’re in a medical surveillance program for chromium or other metals
- Symptoms to report: cough, shortness of breath, fever after welding, tremors or changes in handwriting
You have the right to see air monitoring results and your medical records. See Access to Records.
Standards & references
- OSHA: Welding, cutting and brazing
- 29 CFR 1926.353: Ventilation and protection in welding (construction)
- 29 CFR 1910.1000: Air contaminants, including manganese
- See also: Welders & Fabricators · Welding Helmets
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