New research from Curtin University shows that at least 46,000 Australian welders are exposed to high levels of hazardous, potentially carcinogenic fumes during their work, with little being done to protect them.

The joint project between the Curtin School of Population Health and the University of Sydney, funded through the Centre for Work Health and Safety, is the first of its kind in Australia. It was published today in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

The research team surveyed 634 workers and employers involved in welding across Australia, asking them about their work, including the tasks they perform, work environment, and safety measures implemented at the workplace.

The survey results showed that about 90 percent of respondents were exposed to welding fumes, a mixture of very fine particles and gases created when metal is heated above its boiling point. Welding fumes are a known human carcinogen.

Of the participants found to be exposed to welding fumes, 76 percent were rated as highly exposed, with other carcinogenic metals, most commonly hexavalent chromium and nickel, also frequently present.

Health Risks for Welders
The study's lead, Dr. Renee Carey, who previously participated in research on the hazards of working with engineered stone, said that this new research shows that many welders in Australia may be at risk of developing serious health problems.

"The data shows that at least 60,000 people are employed as welders, but the number of people who perform welding tasks as part of their job would be significantly higher," said Dr. Carey.

"Exposure to welding fumes is associated with various harmful health effects, including cancer, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and reproductive effects."

Working Conditions Increase Risk
The study's co-author, Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney, said that the conditions in which most welders work further increase the risks of exposure.

Two-thirds of respondents said they weld in confined spaces, while nearly half work in cramped areas.

Nearly 90 percent also reported leaning over the welding area during work, often placing the breathing zone directly above the source of the fumes.

"Despite this, only 19 percent of study participants reported that their workplace has some form of mechanical ventilation, such as a welding booth or exhaust hoods," said Professor Driscoll.

"Given that many Australian workplaces clearly lack effective ventilation, it is even more concerning that nearly two-thirds of workers in areas without ventilation do not use air-fed helmets."

Need for Improved Protection
The Executive Director of the Public Health Association of Australia, Terry Slevin, said the study reveals serious health risks that need to be mitigated.

"We've seen strong actions to reduce health problems related to asbestos and silica; this is another example where Australian health and safety legislation must be applied to protect our tens of thousands of welders," said adjunct professor Slevin.

"This study calls for every professional welder in Australia to receive upgraded protective equipment to make their work as safe as possible."

"We have the technology — now we need to ensure it is mandatory to use it in our workplaces."

Exposure Levels and Control Measures
The study also investigated actual levels of exposure to welding fumes and the use of control measures in workplaces. This will be discussed in an upcoming report.

An online survey on professional exposure to welding fumes in Australia was published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

In addition, the research also revealed that many welders do not use adequate protective equipment, even when it is available. While mechanical ventilation is crucial for reducing exposure to hazardous fumes, many workers state that their companies do not provide appropriate ventilation or protective equipment.

Lack of Protective Equipment
According to the study, only 19 percent of respondents stated that their workplace uses mechanical ventilation, such as welding booths or exhaust hoods. This is concerning given the high levels of hazardous particles and gases to which welders are exposed.

Additionally, the study found that nearly two-thirds of workers in unventilated areas do not use air-fed helmets, further increasing the risk of exposure to hazardous fumes.

Health Consequences of Exposure
Exposure to welding fumes can lead to serious health problems, including cancer, respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and reproductive effects. The research also showed that many welders are unaware of the dangers they are exposed to or are not educated about the proper use of protective equipment.

Recommendations for Improving Safety
Based on the research results, the study authors recommend several measures to improve the safety of welders in Australia. This includes the mandatory use of mechanical ventilation in workplaces, increasing the availability and use of air-fed helmets, and educating workers about the dangers of welding fumes and the proper use of protective equipment.

The study also emphasizes the importance of implementing stricter laws and regulations to protect workers in the welding industry. Australia already has laws regulating exposure to hazardous substances, but the enforcement of these laws must be strengthened to ensure worker safety.

Researchers hope that their findings will prompt further research and development of new technologies to reduce exposure to hazardous fumes in the welding industry. They also call for increased awareness and education of workers and employers about the dangers of welding fumes and the importance of using protective equipment.

An online survey on professional exposure to welding fumes in Australia, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, provides important insights into workplace safety in the welding industry and offers guidelines for improving worker protection.

Source: Curtin University