CONTAMINANT: WELDING FUMES
ORIGIN: Moldex Technical Services Department
REVIEWED/UPDATED: August 2024
Overview
There are more than 80 different types of welding applications. The process involves heating metals to their melting point which causes fumes. Breathing metal fumes can lead to a condition called “metal fume fever” and other even more serious health effects.
Galvanized metals are those coated with zinc. Stainless steel is a form of iron containing carbon and metals such as chromium, nickel or molybdenum in various combinations. Other metals are also used in welding. These metals can be worked on using various types of welding processes such as brazing, cutting, arc welding, etc.
We receive many calls on the welding of galvanized and stainless steels and the appropriate product to provide protection. Below you will find a general guide for all types of metals including galvanized and stainless steel. In order to make the appropriate choice, the user will need to know what other contaminants may be present in addition to the metal fumes.
Please remember that since there are numerous types and methods for welding and cutting metals, a qualified expert such as an Industrial Hygienist may need to evaluate the specific workplace conditions prior to properly selecting a respirator. A particular concern is when someone is welding in a confined space. In those cases a supplied air respirator may be required. There are also substance-specific standards (e.g., lead, cadmium), which may apply. Refer to the appropriate regulations for your application for further guidance. Also wear appropriate eye and face protection.
Affected Industries
Welding Shops, Foundries, Machine Shops, Auto Repair and Body Shops & Construction Contractors
| Welding Guide | Suggestions |
| <10X PEL No Oils Present No Substance Specific Standard |
2300N95, 2310N99, 2700N95, M2700N95 |
| <10X PEL Oils Present No Substance Specific Standard |
2740R95, 7740/7740+ or 7990 |
| <10X PEL No Oils Present No Substance Specific Standard Nuisance Level Ozone or Organic Odors (Note: Arc Welding produces ozone) |
2400N95, 2800N95 or M2800N95 |
| <10X PEL Oils Present No substance specific standard Nuisance Level Ozone or Organic Odors (Note: Arc Welding produces ozone) |
2840R95 |
| <10X PEL No Oils Present No Substance Specific Standard Nuisance Level Acid Gases |
2500N95 |
| <10X PEL Oils Present No substance specific standard Nuisance Level Acid Gas Irritants |
2940R95 |
| <10X PEL No Oils Present No Substance Specific Standard Chemical Gases/Vapors Present at or Above PEL (up to 10X PEL) |
8910 w/Appropriate Chemical cartridge (8600 particularly useful) |
| <10X PEL Oils Present No Substance Specific Standard Chemical Gases/Vapors Present at or Above PEL) (up to 10X PEL) |
8970R95 or 7740/7740+ w/Appropriate Chemical cartridge (8600 Particularly Useful) |
The Moldex® Decision Guide for Welding can be download as a pdf file.
WARNING: The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate to the best of Moldex’s knowledge, on the date above. It is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators. Outside of the USA, check with all applicable and local government regulations.
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