The front line of defence for a welder against harmful fume is the Air Fed Welding Mask, with Foster offering a number of clean air options from the established Speedglas Adflo helmet to the Foster Prem-Air system.
Operators not wearing an Air fed welding helmet, need to know the facts about welding fume & it's harmful effects: Until recently, stainless steel welding fume was seen as more harmful than mild steel fume, as it contains a higher chromium and nickel content. However, in Febraury 2019, the Health & Safety Executive issued a warning around Mild Steel fume, linking it to lung cancer. We urge all users to review their respiratory protective equipment & local exhaust ventilation.
Aluminium welding causes the production of ozone which can cause streaming eyes or a sore throat and regular exposure to welding fume can cause pneumonia, asthma, cancer, reduced lung function, sore throat & lungs.