Majority of Australian welders are exposed to elevated levels of harmful fumes, new study shows

Recent research conducted by Curtin University shows that over 46,000 Australian welders are regularly exposed to hazardous fumes with potential carcinogenic effects at their workplaces, and there is a lack of adequate protection measures in place for them.

The survey included 634 workers and employers in the field of welding from all over Australia, who were questioned about their job responsibilities, work conditions, and safety protocols in their place of work.

The survey showed that approximately 90 percent of respondents were exposed to 'welding fume’; a combination of extremely small particles and gases formed when metal is heated beyond its boiling temperature.

Welding fumes have been identified as a carcinogen affecting humans.

The research findings were recently released in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

Access the full details here.