Dangers Of Welding Stainless Steel
Welding is associated with various risks that calls for the person involved to take safety measures. This risk includes dangers resulting from the sparks and arc. The intense ultra violet heat generated is carcinogenic. The magnitudes of the dangers associated are variable depending on the type of material that is being welded, taking into account its chemical composition.
Stainless steel is an alloy of steel with a minimum chromium content of 11% by mass. Nickel, vanadium, molybdenum and manganese are also common components of stainless steel. It is these chemical components that make welding it a dangerous exercise. Chromium can be present in hexavalent state. Exposure to this compound usually occurs during during production and activities such as welding. Chromium in the hexavalent state is considered to be a health hazard because of its carcinogenic effects. A strong correlation has been established between lung cancer and exposure to chromium in the hexavalent state. Other adverse effects on health include: high chances of developing asthma, eye irritation and damage, perforated ear drums, kidney and liver damage, perforated nasal septa. Also nasal cancer and liver cancer may result from inhalation of chromium (VI).
Manganese fumes resulting from welding of stainless steel is also a health hazard. Over exposure to manganese leads to Parkinson disease which is a neurological disorder. This is characterized by speech impairment, head aches, muscle weakness, tremors and slow movement. Is has been established that 10% of welders develop this disease as compared to 1% of the general public (safety in wielding and allied processes, 2005).
Exposure to molybdenum during welding irritation of the eyes and nose mucous membrane. Nickel present in stainless steel can lead to developing asthma and dermatitis. A strong correlation has been established between lung and nasal cancer and exposure to nickel inhalation. Vanadium fume inhaled during welding of stainless steel can lead to complication of the respiratory system, eye irritation, nose bleeding, cough and bronchitis.
Stainless steel can therefore be considered as one of the most dangerous materials to weld. This is because it is a complex alloy made up of metals which have adverse effects on health when inhaled. Safety precautions need to be taken to safeguard health of the welders.