Abstracts From the Literature: Litigation Watch- Welding Fumes- August 2007

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TITLE: "Particulate and Gaseous Emissions when Welding Aluminum Alloys"

AUTHORS: Cole H, Epstein S, Peace J.

JOURNAL: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 2007 Sep;4(9):678-87.

SUMMARY: Fabrication and repair of aluminum components and structures commonly involves the use of electric arc welding. The interaction of the arc and the metal being welded generates ultraviolet radiation, metallic oxides, fumes, and gases. Aluminum is seldom used as the pure metal but is often alloyed with other metals to improve strength and other physical properties. Therefore, the exact composition of any emissions will depend on the welding process and …