Welders and Asbestos Exposure

Because of the great demand for joined metal parts in the manufacture of consumer goods, many thousands of welders in the United States are employed in various manufacturing fields, including the automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries. The particular duties of these welders may vary with the field in which they are employed, but all welders share a need for caution in their line of work. Although an educated, experienced welder may be able to perform his job with relative safety, there are many hazards that welders must face during the course of their daily routine.

Aside from the increased risk for developing diseases such as Parkinson's or the risk of injury from fire and intense heat, welders were particularly susceptible to exposure to asbestos, which was often found in the tools and products used by welders. Although for years manufacturers denied the presence of asbestos in welding rods, subsequent research has shown that until the 1980s, many brands of welding rods were covered with a thin material comprised of from 5 to 15 percent asbestos. As this material was exposed to the welding torch flame, the asbestos particles would be released into the atmosphere as a dust, after which point the welder would be at a severe risk of aspirating the asbestos.

Welders who worked installing and repairing pipe systems were also at grave risk of being exposed to asbestos. During the decades preceding the 1970s asbestos warnings, asbestos lagging was widely used on pipes as insulation against extreme temperatures and the transference of heat. When repairing these asbestos-lagged pipes with a torch and rod, this lagging would burn and break down, releasing asbestos dust into the atmosphere.

Because of the dangers posed by the heat of the welding torch, welders wore special heat- and flame-resistant gloves and used blankets designed to halt flames in case of accidental fire. Sadly, this equipment intended to protect the welder from the scourges of fire also contained asbestos material. With each use, the welder was put at a greater risk of exposure to asbestos, and if these materials were burned or deteriorated with age, the consequences for the welder could be dire.

Although workers were able to protect themselves from exposure to asbestos if they took the proper precautions, many thousands of welders were unknowingly exposed to the dangerous mineral because the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products neglected to provide vital health-related information to those who worked with their goods.

Although many welding products no longer contain asbestos, many welders still die each year from asbestos-related diseases as these diseases develop slowly and often do not manifest themselves for decades. Proper precautions are essential for today's welder who may still encounter asbestos on the job.

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