July 22nd 2024.
There is growing concern for the safety of tens of thousands of tradies and other workers across Australia who may be exposed to cancer-causing fumes while on the job. A recent study conducted by Curtin University revealed that approximately 46,000 welders in the country are regularly exposed to high levels of dangerous carcinogens while carrying out their duties. The findings of this research have been published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.
In particular, the study highlighted the risk of "welding fume", a combination of fine particles and gases that are emitted when metals are heated above their boiling point. This type of fume has been identified as a known carcinogen in humans, with 90% of welders being exposed to it on a regular basis. Even more concerning, 76% of these workers are exposed at high levels, and other carcinogenic metals such as hexavalent chromium and nickel are also often present.
Lead researcher Dr. Renee Carey, who was previously involved in a groundbreaking study on the dangers of working with engineered stone, expressed her concern for the health of welders in Australia. She noted that while there are approximately 60,000 people employed as welders, the number of individuals who perform welding tasks as part of their job is likely much higher. Dr. Carey emphasized that exposure to welding fume has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, respiratory disease, neurological disorders, and reproductive effects.
Co-author of the study, Professor Tim Driscoll from the University of Sydney, added that the risk of exposure is even greater due to the working conditions of most welders. Two-thirds of respondents reported working in confined spaces, while almost 90% admitted to leaning over the welding area while working, directly exposing themselves to the fumes. Despite these risks, only 19% of participants reported having some form of mechanical ventilation in their workplace.
Terry Slevin, the chief executive of the Public Health Association, stressed the importance of taking action to reduce these health risks for welders. He compared it to the efforts made to reduce health problems related to asbestos and silica and called for similar measures to be taken to protect welders. Slevin urged for upgraded protective equipment to be made mandatory for every professional welder in Australia to ensure their safety.
In other news, Joe Biden has pulled out of the US presidential race, and scientists have made a mind-blowing discovery on Mars after accidentally exposing yellowish-green crystals. Meanwhile, in a tragic incident, a father and daughter were killed after their pram carrying twins rolled onto train tracks. These and other stories can be watched live and for free on Channel 9 and 9Now, with every event also available ad-free and in 4K on Stan Sport.
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