Why do my lungs hurt after welding?

Ultraviolet radiation given off by welding reacts with oxygen and nitrogen in the air to form ozone and nitrogen oxides, which are deadly at high doses, irritate the nose and throat, and cause serious lung disease.

How long does prolonged welding fumes last?

The most common acute effect of exposure to intense welding fume is called Metal Fume Fever with symptoms similar to the common flu: chills, low-level fever, fatigue, nausea, sore throat, body aches, and pains usually lasting 24 hours.

How do you treat inhaling weld fumes?

Treatment: The primary treatment for both metal fume fever and polymer fume fever is supportive and directed at symptom relief. Oral hydration, rest, and the use of antipyretics and anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin) are recommended.

Is welding hard on your body?

Welding can have an impact on your body over time. This can be reduced by using proper welding supplies — without proper equipment, you run the risk of damaging your body, hands, eyesight and more. As you weld, you’ll often have to put your body in positions that will cause soreness or strained muscles.

Is welding gas toxic?

Acute exposure to welding fume and gases can result in eye, nose and throat irritation, dizziness and nausea. Health effects from certain fumes may include metal fume fever, stomach ulcers, kidney damage and nervous system damage. Prolonged exposure to manganese fume can cause Parkinson’s–like symptoms.

What is welders cough?

Pneumosiderosis, or more commonly referred to as Welder’s lung, is an occupational lung disease that occurs after chronic inhalation of iron dust particles, especially in welders.

What happens if you inhale welding fumes?

Welding fumes can cause serious health problems for workers if inhaled, according to OSHA. Short-term exposure can result in nausea, dizziness, or eye, nose and throat irritation. Prolonged exposure to welding fumes can lead to cancer of the lung, larynx and urinary tract, as well as nervous system and kidney damage.