Occupational exposure to metals fumes: A case study in a metalworking industry

During welding process, a visible smoke that contains harmful metal fume and gas byproducts is produced. The exposure to these welding fumes can bring adverse effects for workers’ health, such as fever, bronchitis, fibrosis, chronic inflammation, functional changes in the lung and increased risk of cancer. The workers performing welding tasks are directly exposed to the metal particles produced by the weld. However, it is important to realize that not only the welders may be exposed to these fumes. If there is no particle suppression, these particles can reach other workers.