Hazards of Aluminium Welding Fumes Research Paper

Hazards of Aluminium Welding Fumes - Research Paper Example The biggest problem is that the diseases do not develop immediately but appear after a few years of exposure. The impact of pollution at the workplace on productivity has been well investigated. Studies on the impact of pollution at work environment in productivity reveal a tendency of reduction in economic activity (Marrewijk, 2005). "Sick Building Syndrome" (SBS) and 'Building related illness' (BRI) gives rise to employee complaints such as headaches, dizziness, disorientation, fatigue, ear, eye and throat irritations. The world demand for high-speed ferries and LNG tanks is being met with an increase in Aluminium welding and casting production. This has introduced a new health hazard to the Aluminium welders and ways are being probed to protect the welders against the Aluminium fumes. In the U.K, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations stipulates that the occupational exposure limit for Aluminium fume should not exceed 5mgm exp 3 of air. Aluminium fumes during welding also generate quantities of ozone gas, which can cause nausea (Rabin, 1997) and unconsciousness. Welding is a process in which metal or other thermoplastic materials are joined together by the application of heat or pore sure or both. Electric welding was introduced in the 1940s. Aluminium welding has been in prominence since 1970. There are several types of welding like Arc welding and Manual metal arc is a common process where the workers are exposed to the fumes. Carbon arc, Cold welding, Electron beam welding, Flux core arc welding, Gas welding, Gas metal arc welding, Gas tungsten arc welding, Shielded metal arc welding, Plasma arc welding, Laser beam welding are the other welding processes where workers are exposed to metal fumes. The welding workers have a high exposure of metal fumes and the exposure depends on the place, confined space, workshop or open air.