Case Study 9: Welding Fume Exposure
and Respiratory Illness
A man in his 30’s who had smoked a pack of cigarettes a day since his mid-teens was working as a MIG
(i.e., metal-inert gas) welder through a temporary staffing agency at a company fabricating steel racks
for auto parts. He developed symptoms of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath
at work a few months after beginning the job. These symptoms became worse during the workday and
through the work week. He was treated multiple times at an emergency room for acute shortness of
breath.
The Occupational Safety and Health representative initiated an inspection after the hospital diagnosed
and submitted an occupational disease report regarding his work-related lung condition. It was
determined that there was no local exhaust ventilation in the welding area, although general supply and
exhaust ventilation were operational. Air sampling was performed and it was determined that three of
the four samples exceeded the eight-hour time-weighted average limit of 5 mg/m 3 for total welding
fume particulate. The company was cited for overexposure to welding fumes and the lack of a
respiratory protection program.
Additionally, 12 welders at the facility completed a confidential medical questionnaire during the
inspection and three were bothered at work by daily or weekly breathing symptoms.
Guide Question:
As an OSHA Officer, determine the factors that contribute to the
Respiratory Illnesses of the workers and give recommendations to control
and Respiratory Illness
A man in his 30’s who had smoked a pack of cigarettes a day since his mid-teens was working as a MIG
(i.e., metal-inert gas) welder through a temporary staffing agency at a company fabricating steel racks
for auto parts. He developed symptoms of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath
at work a few months after beginning the job. These symptoms became worse during the workday and
through the work week. He was treated multiple times at an emergency room for acute shortness of
breath.
The Occupational Safety and Health representative initiated an inspection after the hospital diagnosed
and submitted an occupational disease report regarding his work-related lung condition. It was
determined that there was no local exhaust ventilation in the welding area, although general supply and
exhaust ventilation were operational. Air sampling was performed and it was determined that three of
the four samples exceeded the eight-hour time-weighted average limit of 5 mg/m 3 for total welding
fume particulate. The company was cited for overexposure to welding fumes and the lack of a
respiratory protection program.
Additionally, 12 welders at the facility completed a confidential medical questionnaire during the
inspection and three were bothered at work by daily or weekly breathing symptoms.
Guide Question:
As an OSHA Officer, determine the factors that contribute to the
Respiratory Illnesses of the workers and give recommendations to control
