This rule was remanded by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the limits are not currently in force. The welding of iron metals may give off fumes of manganese, silicate, and various organic binders. Excessive exposure to welding fume can cause a variety of disorders, most notably metal fume fever. This disorder, which results from exposure to freshly formed metal fume, results in the appearance of delayed, flu-like symptoms, including dyspnea, coughing, pains in muscles and joints, fever, and chills.
Recovery usually requires one or two days of time away from work.
In response to these commenters, OSHA notes that there are few data sufficient to establish a dose-response for the fumes. OSHA concludes that a PEL for welding fumes is needed to protect workers involved in the welding of aluminum, iron, or mild steel from the significant risk of metal fume fever and respiratory irritation associated with the generation of welding fumes. The Agency finds that this limit will substantially reduce the significant risk of material health impairment to which manual metal arc or oxy-acetylene welders of iron, mild steel, or aluminum were previously exposed in the absence of any OSHA limit.