There do not appear to be any long term effects. Some metal dusts and fumes may cause skin irritation and allergies. Avoid welding on metal coated surfaces, such as galvanised iron. Products formed from the decomposition of coatings, solvents, oils and other such substances may also be hazardous to health. Solvents used to clean and degrease metal before welding may release toxic gas when welding starts.
Some filler rods contain vanadium.
Welders who smoke are likely to be more severely affected by welding fumes. Noise High levels are generated by some processes and can cause noise induced hearing loss. Gouging gives off large quantities of fumes and is extremely noisy. This is a recognised killer of welders. The risk of electric shock in welding is high.