Welding workers typically take necessary protective measures during their work, but even with these precautions, some health risks can still affect the human body. These hazards are commonly categorized into several types:
1. Strong light 2. High temperature 3. Exhaust gas 4. Toxic metal fumes 5. Electromagnetic waves 6. Work safety risks
Among these, strong light is a significant concern. It includes both visible and invisible light—specifically infrared and ultraviolet radiation.
During welding, intense visible light can irritate the eyes, leading to temporary vision loss. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause pain in the cornea and conjunctiva, resulting in conditions like keratitis and conjunctivitis. In severe cases, it may contribute to long-term eye damage, including glaucoma.
Infrared radiation, which is also invisible, can heat up the aqueous humor and lens of the eye, causing cloudiness in the lens. This can lead to retinal burns and, over time, cataracts. Infrared radiation is divided into three bands based on wavelength: IR-A (760nm to 1400nm), IR-B (1.4μm to 3μm), and IR-C (3μm to 1mm). The main health issues associated with infrared exposure include cataracts, retinal and corneal burns, and thermal pressure from low-intensity sources.
Retinal damage often occurs in the wavelength range of 0.4μm to 1.4μm, where the retina absorbs a certain amount of light. Excessive exposure can lead to retinal burns, which is why this area is sometimes referred to as the "retinal injury zone."
Corneal injuries are more likely when the wavelength approaches 1.4μm, particularly in the IR-B and IR-C ranges. At these wavelengths, the cornea absorbs more light, and the heat energy absorbed by the cornea and aqueous humor can cause burns if exposure is too high. The cornea is highly sensitive to temperature, so strong infrared exposure can result in severe eye pain.
Cataracts can develop due to either short-term exposure to high-power light sources or long-term exposure to low-energy sources. In the former case, heat from the iris is the primary cause, while in the latter, direct absorption of heat by the lens leads to clouding, similar to how egg white turns solid when cooked.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation also has harmful effects on the skin. UV light with a wavelength below 290nm is almost entirely absorbed by the outer layer of the skin. However, UV light around 300nm has the strongest effect and can cause erythema (redness), itching, burning, blistering, or swelling. Severe exposure may lead to systemic symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and general discomfort.
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer. Some welders may not use proper protective masks and instead wear only sunglasses, which offers little protection. In some regions, such as southern areas, there have been reported cases of facial skin cancer among welders, where facial features were severely affected.
China Labor Insurance Network
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