[01] Zorawar Singh, Department of Zoology, Khalsa College Amritsar, Punjab, India. [02] Pooja Chadha, Department of Zoology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India. [03] Suman Sharma, Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India.

Background: Iron and steel based industries use welding as an integral process. About two percent of the working population is engaged in some type of welding. Welding fumes consist of a wide range of complex metal oxide particles which can be deposited in all regions of the respiratory tract. Thus, welding process seems to be simple but its health implications are complex. Materials and methods: In the present paper, various studies from various databases, based on the health effects of welding fumes have been reviewed to summarize the effect of welding fumes on the lung health. Results: Different studies have shown the ill health effects of welding fumes on the respiratory system of workers engaged in welding industry. Welding fumes have been found to show deleterious effects resulting in serious health hazards including cancer. Conclusion: Workers engaged in welding industry are advised to modify their lifestyle and working methods. They should use proper protection equipments so as to minimize the exposure to different gases and fumes produced as a result of welding process.

Welding Fumes, Lungs, Welders, Particles, Metals, Cancer, Metal Fume Fever

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