WELDING FUMES AND CANCER: GROWING CONCERN

A growing cohort of welders is facing the consequences of inhaling fumes that have become increasingly linked to cancer over decades. In 2017, all welding fumes were classified as Group 1 carcinogens, known to cause cancer. A peer-reviewed study by the World Health Organisation in 2022 estimated that workers exposed to welding fumes had a 48 percent higher likelihood of developing lung cancer and a 27 percent higher likelihood of dying from it.

Similar to asbestos or silica dust, welding fumes can trigger lung inflammation and the replacement of lung cells, potentially leading to the development of cancerous cells. Eddie Lorenzi, a welder, passed away on July 16, 2021, at Royal Melbourne Hospital, four months after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. WorkSafe Victoria determined that his exposure to welding fumes had increased his cancer risk. The Lorenzi family received the first of two workers' compensation claims. This follows the case of ex-welder Anh Tran, who won workers' compensation in 2014 after having his right lung surgically removed.

To be harmed by welding fumes, inhalation is necessary. Possible ways to control this risk include reducing the concentration of fumes in the air and protecting individuals from inhaling them.

In line with the Netherlands and Germany, where exposure limits are set at 1.25 mg and 1 mg respectively, the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) is advocating for stricter exposure limits to welding fumes. According to Dave Henry, the AMWU's national work health and safety coordinator, "Under the current standard, welders are legally allowed to breathe in 11 milligrams of a known carcinogen [each year]. It’s mind-boggling."

Learn more about the AMWUs campaign here.

Share Tweet

RELATED

SLEEP AND WORKPLACE SAFETY
Fatigue has long been recognised as a contributor to workplace incidents. When workers are fatigued their work performance is impaired - and there are many factors that contribute to fatigue - such as hours...
Read More
$400K FINE FOR FATAL WORKPLACE EXPLOSION
James Frizelle’s Automotive Group Pty Ltd (trading as Gold Coast Isuzu) has recently been fined $400,000 after a preventable explosion caused the death of 21-year-old apprentice Kyah McDonald and injured three of...
Read More
$7.5K FINE IN PURE RISK FALLS CASE
Walliker Plumbing Pty Ltd has pleaded guilty and received a fine of $7,500 for failing to provide a safe system of work in the form of fall protection prior to commencing works...
Read More