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Is welding galvanized pipes a health risk?

Q. My husband has a job welding fences together with galvanized pipes and his boss doesn't have him wearing any masks or anything to protect himself. I was wondering if it will hurt him or hurt his health? Also, we have a 2 mo old son and should I worry about him coming home and holding him before he changes clothes? thanks- Donna

Donna Lynn Callaway
welder - Dutton, Alabama, US
2007

A. Welding galvanized pipe without a respirator is hazardous to his health. I doubt that it would affect the baby, but changing clothes first is not a bad idea.
Do a google search on the health effects of welding galvanize for better information.
Me, I would find another job as his boss is at least one brick short of a full load. Before he leaves this job, have his boss put it in writing and then send a copy of it to OSHA. Retribution is risky, but it is wonderful.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2007

A. Hi Donna. Congratulations to you and your husband on the new addition. Although James is right that it is always good for workers to change out of their work clothes (preferably at the factory), do not worry for the health of your baby at all.

Zinc is an essential nutrient, not a toxin, and is in vitamin supplements and especially in cold tablets. The problem for your husband -- not you or your baby -- is that the zinc fumes going into his lungs can be an overdose of zinc; plus the fact that people shouldn't inhale anything but clean air. When you inhale welding fumes or any other kind of garbage into your lungs, not all of it may come out.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 2013