Clinical Features, Treatment, and Pathophysiology J.S. Perlmutter and group Welding is the process of joining metals together by electric arc with a filler material. The filler material, called the consumable, is usually a coated electrode or wire that contributes metal to the joint. These fumes contain a number of elements, including fluorine, manganese, zinc, lead, arsenic, calcium, sulfur, chrome and nickel.
Gases released include Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and fluorine.
A number of health problems are attributed to welding fumes. Welding has also been associated with bladder and throat cancers. Cataract formation from ultraviolet radiation may be produced by the arc if eye protection is not worn. The materials safety data sheet welding consumables lists Parkinson as a potential hazard of welding. Evidence supporting these claims consists of several case reports.