Summary for machine welder pregnancy safety Discussion
Machine welder pregnancy safety is the central concern in this thread: Holly says coworkers warned her that welding smoke and fumes could harm her baby, and she asks whether it is safe to keep working while pregnant. The reply cautions that she should consult an industrial hygienist or doctor, but says the advice given would do no harm. The answerer explains that welding galvanized steel can produce zinc fumes that can make a worker very sick, and recommends at least an air-purifying respirator. Welding stainless steel may expose workers to hexavalent chromium, which also calls for respiratory protection. The answerer also warns that certain solvents called cellosolves can harm pregnant women, so Holly should identify any solvents used in her plant. The overall message is that protective measures may make the job safer, but expert evaluation is needed.
Q. People at my work have told me before I found out I was pregnant that the smoke is not good for you to breath in. The mechanics told me that I could pass out from the fumes because there are no hoods on any of the machines and if I start to feel nauseous to go get a milk. I guess milk will make it better. I recently found out I am pregnant and do not want to take any chances in the smoke harming my baby. Is it safe to be working with while pregnant?
Holly L [name deleted for privacy]
machine welder – Holland, Michigan, USA
2007
 | A. First of all, let me say that I’m not an industrial hygienist or doctor. You should consult one. But, following the advice below will do you no harm. First, if you’re welding pieces that are galvanized, the zinc burns up and makes a fume that can make you sick as a dog. I speak from experience. You should be wearing at the very least, an air purifying respirator when you are doing this work. Second, if you weld stainless that has chromium in it, the fume from that can have hexavalent chromium in it. Again, at the very least, an air purifying respirator. Third, there’s a class of solvents called “cellosolves.” They’re not too toxic, generally, but they’re known to do harm to pregnant women. You may not use these solvents at all in your plant, but if you’re around solvents, ask what solvent it is, and if it contains one of these chemicals. I am pretty sure that there are protective measures that will allow you to do your job safely. But, again, check with a real expert. Good luck, and the best to you and your family.
A. Dear Holly welding fumes in google will give you loads of results Jouke [surname deleted for privacy by Editor] Ed. note: Thanks, Jouke! Ed. update: All four of Jouke’s links broke. Thankfully, the Internet Archive preserved copies of all of them 🙂 |
