Welding fumes and UV radiation from welding are now classified as ‘Carcinogenic to humans’

In March 2017 the carcinogenicity of welding fumes were re-evaluated and welding fumes and UV radiation from welding are now classified as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1) by the IARC.

The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) is the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization.

Recently the Health and Safety Executive in the United Kingdom has issued a Safety Alert to all workers, employers, self-employed, contractors’ and any others who undertake welding activities, including mild steel, in any industry. They have based this alert on the monograph (Volume 118) of the International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC).

Health risks

This study shows new scientific evidence from the IARC that exposure to all welding fume, including mild steel welding fume, can cause lung cancer. There is also limited evidence linked to kidney cancer.

According various studies, arc welding generates UV radiation which is a risk factor for the rare cancer ocular melanoma. And various ocular disorders (e.g. cataracts) occur in both welders and nearby workers.

In addition, Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) was classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) based on sufficient evidence in experimental animals. Occupational exposures to Molybdenum trioxide can occur in mining and metallurgy, steel foundries, welding, and other high temperature processes using steel.

Changed enforcement expectations

The HSE in the United Kingdom has therefore changed the enforcement expectations in relation to the control of exposure of welding fume including mild steel welding with immediate effect. All companies undertaking welding activities should ensure effective engineering controls are provided and correctly used to control fume arising from those welding activities.

It is not just about the welder

When the current engineered systems to control the welding fume are not adequate to control all the fume exposure, it is recommended to use respiratory protective equipment (RPE) so the welders are well protected. To protect the non-welding workforce from fumes as well additional environmental controls are needed. Worldwide, an estimated 11 million workers have a job title of welder, and around 110 million additional workers probably incur welding related exposures. Therefore our claim ‘It is not just about the welder’.

Are you compliant?

Plymovent and our authorized distributors are here to help! Please contact us to find out if you are compliant with the current legislation and with the recent Safety Update from the HSE.

If you are located outside the UK, we have a worldwide team of highly motivated colleagues and distributors to give advice about the current fume extraction in your facility and the possible solutions for improvement. We always work according the international standards for the removal of welding fumes.

Contact us now!