Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Help identify metal poisoning

My husband worked with galvanized metal for about 10 years or more. That was about 18-20 years ago. Doctors are telling us that he has metal poisoning from that & it is effecting several aspects of his health. I have come up with nothing & was wondering if you can tell me where to start. What kind of poisoning would one get from welding & cutting galvanized metal?

Melissa Linrude
former metal building worker/owner - Kalispell, Montana, USA
2004

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2003

Don't trust amateur help over professional help, Melissa. You've already talked to medical professionals; ask the doctor to refer you to a specialist if he doesn't have enough experience with this obscure condition. And if you are considering a lawsuit against his employer, if a galvanizing expert replies to your publicly posted question in the negative, your attorney will despair while the opposing attorney will rub his hands with glee.

But if I were you, I would not be thinking about metal fume fever from the expected zinc fumes, which are generally not considered accumulating, so much as the possibility that your husband at some times may have welded cadmium plated, lead dipped, or mercury laced materials and has been poisoned by one of those cumulative toxins. Ask you doctor if blood tests for these three metals are possible and appropriate.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey