Women & Wise welders

[pinklilly11]

I'm wondering where I can find info on welding while pregnant. We're going to be trying here pretty soon and I'd like to continue MIG welding. All I can find is DON'T DO IT. No one, to include Dr.'s have a reason. Text books list the fumes are hazardous. I need to know for sure. Thanks.

[lorenzo]

http://www.trueart.info/pregnancy.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/99-104.html

In the 2nd link, look at table 1 and you will see welders as having an exposure risk. I would listen to the doctors even if they can't answer you as to why. Also try OSHA, they should have info on this topic.

[pinklilly11]

Hey Chris,

Thanks, I've been searching forever and never seen this. I appreciate it.

[olddad]

There's a lot of nasty stuff in a welders environment. No matter what safety equipment you use you're still gonna take some in breathing and absorbing it through your skin. It's not likely to interfere with a pregnancy but do you really want to take that chance ? Listen to what the others have said and get back to welding when it's safe for Jr.

[TealGunner]

Here's my take. As a paramedic/firefighter and HazMat Technician. I wouldn't do it. Anything that is vaporized or can be absorbed through the skin will be. Small quantities or not, you will be exposed and so will kiddo. Also remember that anything that is vaporized or burned will stick to your clothing, hair, glasses, jewelry, footwear, etc. You will then bring it back into the house and onto furniture, carpet, tables, dishes. You see where this is going. Even it the kiddo doesn't get exposed while in the womb, there will be fresh traces all around the house at a very young age. Better to be safe than sorry, especially with stuff like arsenic, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, etc.

Good luck, and congrats.

[MAC702]

If they can't even drink alcohol, even in moderation, according to "expert" doctors, then something should be telling us pregnant women shouldn't be taking ANY exposure risks.

[pinklilly11]

Thanks guys for posting this info. We're not prego yet, I'd like to start working before but really needed the verification.

Thanks:blush:

[denrep]

What did the old man used to say, something about - Spare the rod... :rolleyes:

'Course what did he know, look at me! :eek:

Seriously, I wonder if radiation is an issue.

[pinklilly11]

If they can't even drink alcohol, even in moderation, according to "expert" doctors, then something should be telling us pregnant women shouldn't be taking ANY exposure risks.

Actually you can drink wine on occassion while pregnant. You're also not supposed to drink caffeine or smoke. Lots of people do any baby turns out just fine. I was looking for an answer from people in the field here. Found it, thanks.

[pulser]

Have not done the reading, but I understand there is alot of talk about Chromium hazard from stainless steel welding. I suspect the hazard is greatest in a process like high current spray arc MIG, where the elements are easily volatilized. I'm guessing that the volatile element hazards associated with low current TIG on most steels and alloys would be minimal.

I wonder what welding hazards are going to directly enter the blood stream and be transmitted to the baby. Seems like some hazards may affect the welder directly and maybe longterm, but what would trasfer so rapidly to the baby?

[Roy Hodges]

Having welded many years for the U S Navy, & attended MANY respirator classes, i would think welding on (COMMON) steels ONLY , WITH a respirator (a TWO cartridge type ) , it should not be a risk. They told us in the classes that CARBON steel is one thing, BUT all the other metals to be welded ,the body cannot cope with .Also for general knowledge , the respirators have to be properly fitted , by an expert, and those paper respirators are not worth wearing. they just don't fit good enough to EVER afford ANY real protection for ANY job. They are only legal where NO protection is required !!!