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of occasional welders, the study shows. Although a solid conclusion cannot be established from just one study, there are still actions employers can take to protect workers who weld. For fume exposure, OSHA has a few recommendations. Besides keeping surfaces clean, welders can also use ventilation to keep themselves safe. Use tools like a vacuum nozzle or portable exhaust system to move fumes from the area the welder is working in, OSHA said.8 Looking at the hierarchy of controls, substitution and PPE (like respiratory PPE) are also great ways to protect welders from fumes. Metal Fume Fever Metal fume fever (MMF) is an illness that causes flu-like symptoms, most often in welders. A 2009 publication estimates that every year, there are about 1,500 to 2,500 MFF cases across the country.9 Metal fume fever can be caused by exposure to welding fumes. There are a variety of metals in the fumes that can cause MFF, such as beryllium, copper, manganese and zinc. In a case review published in 2012, researchers reviewed 85 calls about MFF placed from to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre at a Victoria, Australia hospital from June 2005 to December 2010. “All of the callers had inhaled fumes while welding metal,” the case review said. The top three metals reported were zinc (31 percent), steel (18 percent) and iron (14 percent), with 23 percent of people not clarifying a metal.10 The case review also collected data on symptoms, which can set in around 48 hours post-exposure, reported on the calls. Sixty percent of calls involved a fever. Chills (29 percent), a headache (27 percent) and muscle aches (22 percent) were also frequently reported symptoms. Other symptoms can include joint stiffness and feeling sick. Because symptoms appear similar to the flu, MFF can be diagnosed incorrectly. Interestingly enough, almost one in four reported that symptoms became apparent on Monday. Why is that? The study explains: “Metal fume fever is most likely to present on Monday due to loss of tolerance over the weekend in occupational welders.” (MFF is also sometimes called Monday morning fever.) So how can the risks of MFF be mitigated? The case review points to two concepts: “workplace safety and education.” Welders and medical professionals should be familiar with the disease, making it easier to diagnose and treat. In addition to education, similar actions to reduce the risk of welder’s anthrax and cancer can also be used. For example, the 2009 publication lists “avoidance of direct contact with potentially toxic fumes, improved engineering controls (exhaust ventilation systems) \\\[and\\\] personal protective equipment (respirators)” to help workers avoid getting MFF. Conclusion Although working certain around metals and chemicals can create health concerns for welders, employers can do something about it. From following the hierarchy of controls to using ventilation, employers have options. Remember, it’s never too early to protect your workers. Alex Saurman is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety. REFERENCES 1. www.hse.gov.uk/welding/health-risks- welding.htm 2. blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science- blog/2022/04/21/welders-anthrax/ 3. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC9029013/ 4. www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/11/4/402/htm 5. blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science- blog/2022/04/21/welders-anthrax/ 6. www.aiha.org/news/iarc-welding- fumes-uv-radiation-from-welding- are-carcinogenic#:~:text=April%20 19%2C%202017-,IARC%3A%20 Welding%20Fumes%2C%20UV%20 Radiation%20from%20Welding%20 Are%20Carcinogenic,evidence%20of%20 carcinogenicity%20in%20humans. 7. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5605892/ 8. www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/ publications/OSHA_FS-3647_Welding.pdf 9. ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-EH/envepi/ occ_health/Documents/Metal_Fume_Fever_ LSMS_article.pdf 10. www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/march/ metal-fume-fever www.ohsonline.com FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 | Occupational Health & Safety 45 Traction Control For Your Feet Phone: 800.631.1246 Fax: 800.635.1591 northernsafety.com