Your Body Almanac

Welder

Fumes, sparks, UV light and awkward positions.

Welding exposes you to metal fumes, intense light, heat and noise, often while crouched, kneeling or working overhead. The lungs, eyes, skin and joints all need protection.

01

Breathing welding fumes

Welding fumes contain metal particles and gases. Depending on the metal, they can include manganese or hexavalent chromium from stainless steel. Over time, fume exposure is linked to lung disease and cancer, and a short, flu-like illness called metal fume fever.

SourcesWelding, cutting and brazing (OSHA)Hexavalent chromium (OSHA)
Wear a respirator for dust, fumes and smokeAs neededUse a properly fitted N95 or better respirator for dusty work and heavy wildfire smoke, and a cartridge respirator for gases and vapors.
02

Eye injury from arc light and sparks

The welding arc gives off intense ultraviolet light that can burn the surface of the eye, often called arc eye or welder's flash, causing painful, gritty eyes hours later. Sparks and slag cause impact injuries.

SourcesEye and face protection (OSHA)Eye injuries (MedlinePlus)
Wear eye protectionAs neededPut on safety glasses, goggles or a face shield for work, chores and hobbies that throw debris, chemicals or sparks. Get a comprehensive eye examYearlySee an optometrist or ophthalmologist every one to two years, and every year once you are 65 or at higher risk.
04

Neck, shoulder and knee strain

Holding a torch steady overhead, kneeling to weld low seams or hunching for long periods strains the neck, shoulders and knees.

SourcesErgonomics (OSHA)Shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendinitis (OrthoInfo, AAOS)
Do band pull-apartsWeeklyStretch a resistance band across your chest to strengthen the upper-back muscles that pull your shoulders back. Do chin tucksDailyGlide your head straight back to counter the forward-head posture that screens and desks encourage. Wear knee pads for kneeling workAs neededCushion your knees whenever a job puts you on the floor, so the small fluid sacs in front of the kneecap don't get irritated.

When to see a professional

See a doctor for painful, watery or light-sensitive eyes after welding, or any eye injury. See a doctor for a cough, wheezing or shortness of breath that lingers, or flu-like symptoms after welding galvanized metal. Ask about regular lung and hearing checks.