What harm does welding have on the human body?

Welding workers typically take protective measures during their work, but even with these precautions, some exposure can still cause harm to the human body. These hazards can be categorized into six main types:

1. Strong light
2. High temperature
3. Exhaust gas
4. Toxic metal fumes
5. Electromagnetic waves
6. Work safety risks

Strong Light: This includes visible and invisible light, such as infrared and ultraviolet radiation.

During welding, intense visible light can irritate the eyes, while short-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to temporary vision loss. UV radiation is absorbed by the cornea, causing pain, keratitis, and conjunctivitis. Prolonged exposure may increase the risk of glaucoma.

Infrared Radiation: Infrared light, which is invisible, can heat up the eye’s aqueous humor and lens, leading to lens clouding and retinal burns. Long-term exposure may result in cataracts.

Infrared radiation is divided into three bands based on wavelength: - IR-A: 760 nm to 1400 nm - IR-B: 1.4 μm to 3 μm - IR-C: 3 μm to 1 mm

Damage from infrared exposure mainly includes cataracts, retinal and corneal burns, and thermal effects from low-intensity light sources.

Retinal Damage: The retina absorbs light in the range of 0.4 μm to 1.4 μm. Excessive exposure can cause retinal burns, also known as the "retinal injury area."

Corneal Injury: The cornea has a low absorption rate for IR-A (below 1.4 μm), but absorption increases when the wavelength approaches 1.4 μm (IR-B and IR-C). The cornea and aqueous humor absorb radiant heat, and excessive exposure can lead to burns. The cornea is highly sensitive to temperature, and high-power infrared rays can cause severe eye pain.

Cataract Causes: Short-term exposure to a high-intensity light source can cause cataracts through thermal energy transmitted via the iris. Long-term exposure to low-energy sources can also lead to cataracts due to direct heat absorption by the lens, similar to cooking egg white.

UV Effects on Skin: Ultraviolet light with wavelengths below 290 nm is almost entirely absorbed by the skin's outer layer. Wavelengths around 290-320 nm have the strongest effect on the skin, causing erythema (redness), itching, burning, blisters, or swelling. Severe cases may lead to systemic symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and discomfort.

Ultraviolet radiation is also linked to skin cancer. Some welders don’t use proper masks and only wear sunglasses, increasing their risk. In southern regions, there have been cases of facial skin cancer, where facial features were severely damaged.

China Labor Insurance Network