G’day folks! In a concerning revelation, tens of thousands of Australian welders are being exposed to cancer-causing fumes, with little being done to protect them. Research from Curtin University, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, found that 90% of welders are exposed to “welding fume,” a known carcinogen. Of those, 76% are exposed at high levels, with harmful metals like hexavalent chromium and nickel also present.
Dr. Renee Carey, the study’s lead, highlighted the significant health risks associated with welding fumes, including cancer, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders. According to Safe Work Australia, the workplace exposure standard for welding fumes has been reduced from 5 mg/m³ to 1 mg/m³ to better protect workers from these health risks. However, the implementation of these standards remains crucial to ensuring safety on the ground.
Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney noted that conditions like restricted and confined spaces exacerbate the risks. Alarmingly, only 19% of workplaces had effective mechanical ventilation. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has launched a national campaign to push for higher safety standards and create a register for workers exposed to welding fumes.
Public Health Association CEO Terry Slevin emphasized the need for urgent action to improve workplace safety standards and provide welders with upgraded protective equipment. The technology exists to make these jobs safer, but it must be mandated across all workplaces to protect our tradies.
A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) classified welding fumes as a Group 1 carcinogen, placing them in the same category as asbestos and silica dust. This classification underscores the severe health risks posed by prolonged exposure to these fumes.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, welding fumes are linked to lung cancer, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders. Implementing proper safety measures and reducing exposure limits are critical steps in safeguarding workers’ health.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full article on 9News.
Additional Research and References:
- According to Safe Work Australia, the new workplace exposure standard for welding fumes is now 1 mg/m³, significantly lower than the previous standard of 5 mg/m³ (Safe Work Australia).
- The Australian Institute of Health and Safety highlights the severe health risks associated with welding fumes, including lung cancer, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders (Home).
- The World Health Organization classified welding fumes as a Group 1 carcinogen in 2017, putting them in the same category as asbestos and silica dust (9News) (Gallagher US).
