Asbestos Welding Materials
Asbestos has been used in a variety of welding materials since the early 1900s. Because of this widespread use, workers in the welding industry are some of the most high-risk individuals for asbestos-related diseases.
Two of the most common welding materials that frequently contained asbestos include:
- Welding blankets
- Welding rods
The use of asbestos in these and other welding materials was discontinued in the United States during the 1980s. However, asbestos is still being used in welding products throughout China, according to the Hong Kong-based watchdog organization known as Aspec.
Welding Blankets
Welding blankets that contained asbestos were often draped over welders and work surfaces in order to prevent burns or other injuries.
Asbestos was generally only a single component of the blankets, which were primarily composed of interwoven metal fibers. Because asbestos is extremely fire-repellant, sturdy and flexible, the material served as an integral protective agent in the blankets. This source of immediate protection, however, placed workers at risk of serious long-term consequences.
Welding Rods
Welding rods that contain asbestos became widely used during the 1930s. The rods were primarily made of metal and were used to provide filler material during the welding process. They were usually two to three feet in length.
These welding rods commonly contained large amounts of amphibole asbestos of the crocidolite (blue) variety. While welding rods today are used to conduct current during arc welding, asbestos was particularly appealing to manufacturers of welding rods during the mid-1900s because it was a strong resister of electric current.
Hazards of Welding Blankets and Rods
Because welding rods and blankets that contained asbestos were often placed in direct, close physical contact with individuals, the products often posed serious health risks. While asbestos generally is not a health hazard when left undisturbed, welding products that contained the substance were often subjected to a significant amount of wear and tear.
When cut, weathered or otherwise damaged, welding products released harmful microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Even a small tear at the seam of a welding blanket could prompt the release of millions of microscopic asbestos fibers. The release of these harmful fibers placed all surrounding individuals, and especially those in close contact with the welding materials, at risk of developing serious asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos fibers released during welding processes could also attach to the clothing of workers and be carried into the home, placing family members and other individuals at risk of asbestos exposure.
Welding Materials and Specific Cases of Asbestos Exposure
Welding rods were first directly linked by a jury to individual cases of asbestos-related diseases in 2003, when welding rods used in a workplace were connected to the development of mesothelioma and lung cancer. This influential case opened the door for future cases directly linking occurrences of asbestos-related diseases with welding products.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
