Pollutants & Toxic Chemical Exposure
Welding Rods
Manufacturer:
Lincoln Electric Company, Hobart Brothers Company and many more
Uses: Serves as a binder to join metals
More Information
According to their internal documents, from 1932 to 1980, the manufacturers
of welding rods systematically concealed evidence that linked their welding rods
to serious adverse health effects on welders. Welding rod manufacturers
discovered that welding fumes posed serious health risks to welders, but because
of economic concerns, the industry covered up the problems associated with their
product for almost 50 years.
Welding is the process by which two metal parts are joined. This is
accomplished by melting the parts at the points of contact and simultaneously
forming a connection with molten metal from the parts themselves, called the
parent metal, or from filler material.
The filler material used to join the metal parts is called the consumable,
and is usually a coated electrode or wire that contributes metal to the joint.
Welding rods, welding electrodes, and welding wire are commonly used
consumables.
The welding consumables (rods, electrodes, and/or wire) contain the element
manganese. Typically, the rods or electrodes used in Shielded Metal Arc, or
stick welding, will contain the most manganese. Some types of welding wire used in Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding are
quite high in manganese as well. When manganese is contained in the welding consumable, it is also
contained in the fumes produced during welding.
Manganese is toxic. The element passes into the blood stream and then rapidly
to the tissues. Manganese toxicity is usually reported due to industrial and
agricultural exposures. Industrial exposure to manganese is mostly seen among
welders. Manganese toxicity typically results from pulmonary absorption.
Manganese dust and fumes are responsible for most of the industrially-associated
manganese toxicity.
The neurotoxicity of manganese was established as early as the 19th century. Exposure to high levels of manganese by inhalation in humans results
primarily in central nervous system effects. Inhalation of fumes or the dust of
manganese causes neurological symptoms. Exposure to heavy concentrations of dust
or fumes for as little as three months may produce the condition.
Types of Welding Likely to Have Used Manganese Rods
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW, stick)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW, MIG)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW, TIG)
- Flux Colored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Plasma Arc Welding (PAC, PAW)
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
- Carbon Arc Welding (CAW)
- Electro Gas Welding (EGW)
- Stand Welding
- Oxyacetylene Welding
- Beddon Plate Welding
- Torch Brazing
- Oxygen Cutting
- Air Carbon Arc Cutting
Side Effects
- Metal fume fever (flu-like symptoms)
- Respiratory problems
- Gastrointestinal effects including chronic gastritis, gastroduodentitis,
ulcers, etc.
- Reproductive risks
- Cancers
- Kidney and heart damage
- Central nervous system effects including tremors, Manganism, etc.
Resources
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