Characterization of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding Fume Generated by Apprentice Welders.

ABSTRACT: Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) represents one of the most widely used metal joining processes in industry. Its propensity to generate a greater portion of welding fume particles at the nanoscale poses a potential occupational health hazard for workers. However, current literature lacks comprehensive characterization of TIG welding fume particles. Even less is known about welding fumes generated by welding apprentices with little experience in welding. We characterized TIG welding fume generated by apprentice welders (N = 20) in a ventilated exposure cabin. Exposure assessment was conducted for each apprentice welder at the breathing zone (BZ) inside of the welding helmet and at a near-field (NF) location, 60cm away from the welding task. We characterized particulate matter (PM4), particl

SUBMITTER: Graczyk H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4738234 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature