Welding and cancer

Welding and cancer

There are many different welding techniques; but most fall into the categories of electric arc welding or oxy-fuel welding.

Welding activities produce many hazards through the production of contaminants in welding fumes and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the welding arc. Both of these are Group 1 carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer in humans. Exposure to these fumes or UV radiation can increase your risk of developing melanoma of the eye, lung and other cancers.

Your cancer risk from welding depends on:

• the type of welding process used
• the material being welded (including any surface coatings or metal treatments)
• the contaminants in the air (for example vapours from solvent cleaners or degreasers)
• the consumables being used
• shielding flux or gas
• the power settings
• where the welding is being carried out (outside or in an enclosed space)
• the length of time welding.

Airborne contaminants

Welding fume is made when a metal is heated above its boiling point. The metal cools and then condenses into fume, and fine particles that can be breathed in.

Some welding fumes are easy to see but many are invisible. In 2017, all types of welding fumes were classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Welding fumes contain potential cancer-causing agents (carcinogens), including metallic oxides, silicates and fluorides.

Table 1. Common cancer-causing welding fumes