Home Worth knowing Weldings fumes in general 2. Composition of welding fumes

Composition of welding fumes

This graphic only includes the most hazardous components of welding fumes - in addition to these substances, many other pollutants occur during welding and cutting processes

A distinction is made between breathable substances (up to 100 µm large) and alveoli penetrating, i.e. Respirable substances (up to 10 µm large). These particles may reach the alveoli and deposit there and are therefore particularly dangerous. 98.9 % of particles in welding fumes are even below 0.4 µm in size.

The composition of welding fumes is determined by the material to be welded and the welding process in use.

 

Type of substance Components Fumes components Hazard
Gas Inert gas Carbon dioxide, argon Risk of suffocation
Gas Gases created by the welding process

Carbon monoxide (can have an effect on fertility)

Ozone

Risk of suffocation

Injury to airways and lungs (incl. cancer risk)
Gas Gases created by chemicals on the metal (e.g. paint, oil, solvents)

Hydrogen chloride, phosgene

Hydrogen, cyanide, formalin, isocyanate

Injury to airways and lungs (incl. cancer risk)

Suffocation, injury to airways and lungs (incl. cancer risk), allergic reaction, asthma
Particles Steel, not coated and not varnished Aluminum, cadmium, chrome, iron oxide, manganese, magnesium, nickel, zinc Chronic damages to the airways and lungs (incl. cancer risk) as well as the central nervous system, allergic reaction, metal vapour fever
Particles Galvanized steel Zinc oxide, chrome Chronic damages to the airways and lungs (incl. cancer risk) as well as the central nervous system, allergic reaction, metal vapour fever
Particles Anti-rust steel Chrome hexavalent, nickel

Chronic damages to the airways and lungs (incl. cancer risk) as well as the central nervous system, allergic reaction, metal vapour fever

 

>> to 1. Welding fumes - What are they?
>> to 3. How large are the individual particles in welding fumes?
>> to 4. Physical effects by absorbing the pollutants of welding-fume



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