What Toxic Substance Is Released When Welding Steel?
October 13, 2023 in Construction Accidents
Welding is an everyday construction job, but like most jobs in construction, it can pose serious health risks, mainly due to exposure to welding fumes. If you are a construction worker injured at work, it’s essential to understand your rights and how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries. Below, we explore the nature of welding fumes, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and the four entry routes for toxic substances.
Weld Fume: What You Need to Know
Welding is the process of joining metals by melting their edges and fusing them. While this technique is essential to many aspects of construction, it produces welding fumes that can be hazardous to health. Welding fumes consist of tiny metal particles and gases that are released during the welding process. These fumes can contain toxic substances, including metals such as zinc, lead, and cadmium, which can be harmful when inhaled.
What Is the Toxic Substances Control Act?
The Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA, is a federal law in the United States that regulates the manufacture, distribution, and use of toxic chemicals. It was designed to protect the public and the environment from unreasonable risks associated with these substances. Under TSCA, the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to assess and control chemicals that may risk human health and the environment.
Routes of Entry for Toxic Substances
There are four primary routes of entry for toxic substances into the human body, and understanding these routes is crucial for those who may have been exposed to welding fumes:
- Inhalation: The most common route of welding fumes exposure is inhalation. When workers breathe in contaminated air, they may be exposed to harmful chemicals that can lead to respiratory issues, lung diseases, kidney damage, and other adverse health effects.
- Contacting the Skin: Welding fumes can settle on the skin, leading to irritation, burns, or skin disorders.
- Ingestion: While ingesting welding fumes is less common, it is not impossible and can occur when workers inadvertently swallow contaminated dust or fine particles that settle on their food or drink. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues and ongoing health problems.
- Ocular Exposure: Welding fumes can irritate the eyes, leading to eye injuries and vision problems.
Welding fumes and exposure to toxic substances can severely affect construction workers. Understanding the potential risks, the role of the Toxic Substances Control Act, and the routes of entry for harmful substances is essential to construction worker safety.
If you are a construction worker who has suffered injuries from exposure to welding fumes and toxic substances, seeking legal representation is essential. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of personal injury claims, gather evidence, and build a solid case to recover compensation for your injuries. Your health and well-being are essential, and legal assistance can be the key to your recovery.
Contact a New York Construction Accident Attorney at SPBMCC
Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. is a reputable full-service personal injury law firm specializing in various areas, including welding fume injuries. Our dedicated litigation support teams are committed to vigorously representing clients in matters such as 9/11-related illnesses, personal injury, car accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and firefighter law across New York City, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk counties, and New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our firm or schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.