Exposure to Metal Fumes - Assignment Example

In effect, they present serious challenges, especially on human health. In this regard, it is crucial for the safety staff, policymakers, and health professionals to be conversant with the related hazards and develop programs that focus on control and prevention to human exposure. Various metals have the potential of causing both chronic and acute health effects on human life. In this regard, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has initiated different protective measures to prevent the employees from the health hazards.

Welding activity is one of the sources of metal fumes that can result in acute or chronic health hazards after inhaling. Notably, welding produces different contaminants to cause health risks if not properly controlled. Some of the metallic fumes that are likely to be inhaled by welders include Antimony, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, Molybdenum, Nickel, and Zinc Oxide. In this regard, many welders suffer from respiratory illnesses such as airway irritation, bronchitis, changes in lung functions, and increased risk of lung cancer.

Like any other metal, fumes from the noted constituents cause different chronic and acute health effects on an individual. However, some of these metals can produce similar health effects when exposed to a worker. Exposure to Antimony metal fumes through inhalation can lead to short-term health hazards such as skin and eye effects. They can also result in gastrointestinal effects if ingested. The fumes can also cause long-term health hazards such as inflammation of lungs, chronic bronchitis, inactive tuberculosis, and irritation.

Beryllium metal fumes are mainly from magnesium, copper, and aluminum alloys. Exposure to Beryllium fumes can result in chronic effects such as irritation and lung damage. Cadmium also causes long-term effects on the human kidney. Similarly to the previous two metal fumes, Chromium constituents cause chronic health hazards on the human body. They enhance dermatitis, irritation as well as respiratory, liver, and kidney cancer. Contrary Copper constituents cause short-term health effects such as metal fume fever.

However, they also cause chronic effects such as damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Magnesium Oxide also causes metal fume fever which is an acute health hazard. Molybdenum results in damage to the lungs as well as central nervous system damage, and irritation, which is a long-term health hazard. Nickel also results in long-term effects such as pneumoconiosis, dermatitis, and damage to the central nervous system and lungs. Lastly, Zinc Oxide causes metal fume fever, which is a short-term health hazard.

In effect to various chronic and acute health hazards from the metal fumes, OSHA has initiated various requirements in workplaces that enhance prevention and protection of the hazards on the employees. Firstly, the administration requires the employers to limit eight-hour average hexavalent chromium exposure to five micrograms of air. Secondly, the employers should perform periodic monitoring after every six months. Thirdly, every organization that has activities that release metal fumes should provide appropriate clothing and working equipment to the workers.

Fourthly, the related companies should ensure good housekeeping practices and personal hygiene to prevent exposure to hexavalent chromium. Fifth, the organization should not employ rotational technique as a way to ensure exposure limit. Sixth, the employees should have respiratory protection as per health standard. Lastly, the workers should undergo regular medical examinations.