Welding Fume Extractors

Breathing in welding fumes can have negative health effects. Short-term exposure can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as dizziness and nausea. If these symptoms occur, individuals should leave the area, get fresh air, and seek medical help. Long-term exposure to welding fumes may lead to lung damage and various types of cancer, such as lung, larynx, and urinary tract cancer. Certain fumes can cause ailments like metal fume fever, stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and damage to the nervous system. Prolonged exposure to manganese fume specifically can result in symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

Purex Fume Extractors are used to control welding fumes at the source. This means that instead of waiting for the fumes to spread throughout the work area, the Purex Fume Extractor captures the fumes right where they are created, thus reducing the risk of fume inhalation and improving the overall air quality of the entire workplace.

The Purex Fume Extractor works by creating a localized vacuum around the welding area. This vacuum pulls the welding fumes away from the welder and into a filter that captures the fumes and removes them from the air. The filtered air is then released back into the work area, making it a safe and healthy environment for the welder and other workers.

Another benefit of using Purex Fume Extractors is that they are versatile in their application. They can be used with a wide range of welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, arc welding, they are portable, and they can also be used in a variety of different industries, including automotive, construction, manufacturing, and chemical related fields.

Overall, Purex Fume Extractors are an effective solution for controlling welding fumes at the source. They offer a range of benefits, including improved air quality, increased safety, and versatility in application. By investing in a Purex Fume Extractor, businesses can create a safer and healthier workplace for their employees.

For more information on welding fume saftey the American Welding Society website and the OSHA fact sheet.

OSHA

Table 1 Source and Health Effect of Welding Fumes
Fume Type	Source	Health Effect
Aluminum	Aluminum component of some alloys, e.g., Inconels, copper, zinc, steel, magnesium, brass and filler materials.	Respiratory irritant.
Beryllium	Hardening agent found in copper, magnesium, aluminum alloys and electrical contacts.	"Metal Fume Fever." A carcinogen. Other chronic effects include damage to the respiratory tract.
Cadmium Oxides	Stainless steel containing cadmium or plated materials, zinc alloy.	Irritation of respiratory system, sore and dry throat, chest pain and breathing difficulty. Chronic effects include kidney damage and emphysema. Suspected carcinogen.
Chromium	Most stainless-steel and high-alloy materials, welding rods. Also used as plating material. Converts to hexavalent chromium during welding.	Increased risk of lung cancer. Some individuals may develop skin irritation. Some forms are carcinogens (hexavalent chromium).
Copper	Alloys such as Monel, brass, bronze. Also some welding rods.	Acute effects include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, nausea and "Metal Fume Fever."
Fluorides	Common electrode coating and flux material for both low- and high-alloy steels.	Acute effect is irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Long-term exposures may result in bone and joint problems. Chronic effects also include excess fluid in the lungs.
Iron Oxides	The major contaminant in all iron or steel welding processes.	Siderosis – a benign form of lung disease caused by particles deposited in the lungs. Acute symptoms include irritation of the nose and lungs. Tends to clear up when exposure stops.
Lead	Solder, brass and bronze alloys, primer/coating on steels.	Chronic effects to nervous system, kidneys, digestive system and mental capacity. Can cause lead poisoning.
Manganese	Most welding processes, especially high-tensile steels.	“Metal Fume Fever.” Chronic effects may include central nervous system problems.
Molybdenum	Steel alloys, iron, stainless steel, nickel alloys.	Acute effects are eye, nose and throat irritation, and shortness of breath.
Nickel	Stainless steel, Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy and other high-alloy materials, welding rods and plated steel.	Acute effect is irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Increased cancer risk has been noted in occupations other than welding. Also associated with dermatitis and lung problems.
Vanadium	Some steel alloys, iron, stainless steel, nickel alloys.	Acute effect is irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Chronic effects include bronchitis, retinitis, fluid in the lungs and pneumonia.
Zinc	Galvanized and painted metal.	Metal Fume Fever.

Table 2 Source and Health Effect of Welding Gases
Gas Type	Source	Health Effect
Carbon Monoxide	Formed in the arc.	Absorbed readily into the bloodstream, causing headaches, dizziness or muscular weakness. High concentrations may result in unconsciousness and death
Hydrogen Fluoride	Decomposition of rod coatings.	Irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Overexposure can cause lung, kidney, bone and liver damage. Chronic exposure can result in chronic irritation of the nose, throat and bronchi.
Nitrogen Oxides	Formed in the arc.	Eye, nose and throat irritation in low concentrations. Abnormal fluid in the lung and other serious effects at higher concentrations. Chronic effects include lung problems such as emphysema.
Oxygen Deficiency	Welding in confined spaces, and air displacement by shielding gas.	Dizziness, mental confusion, asphyxiation and death.
Ozone	Formed in the welding arc, especially during plasma-arc, MIG and TIG processes.	Acute effects include fluid in the lungs and hemorrhaging. Very low concentrations (e.g., one part per million) cause headaches and dryness of the eyes. Chronic effects include significant changes in lung function.

Table 3 Source and Health Effect of Organic Vapours as a result of Welding
Gas Type	Source	Health Effect
Aldehydes (such as formaldehyde)	Metal coating with binders and pigments. Degreasing solvents	Irritant to eyes and respiratory tract.
Diisocyanates	Metal with polyurethane paint.	Eye, nose and throat irritation. High possibility of sensitization, producing asthmatic or other allergic symptoms, even at very low exposures.
Phosgene	Metal with residual degreasing solvents. (Phosgene is formed by reaction of the solvent and welding radiation.)	Severe irritant to eyes, nose and respiratory system. Symptoms may be delayed.
Phosphine	Metal coated with rust inhibitors. (Phosphine is formed by reaction of the rust inhibitor with welding radiation.)	Irritant to eyes and respiratory system, can damage kidneys and other organs.