AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsSafetyHard
A welding inspector notices a significant amount of white, powdery residue around an aluminum welding operation. The welder is experiencing dizziness and nausea. What is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms and residue?
- AZinc oxide fumes from galvanized steel contamination.
- BFluoride fumes from certain flux-cored wires.
- CManganese fumes from the filler metal.
- DOzone exposure from the intense UV light.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Zinc oxide fumes from galvanized steel contamination.
White, powdery residue and symptoms like dizziness and nausea are classic indicators of Metal Fume Fever, which is commonly caused by exposure to zinc oxide fumes. This often occurs when welding on galvanized steel, which has a zinc coating, or contaminated surfaces.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Fluoride fumes (from flux) can cause respiratory irritation and bone damage, but not typically the white residue or acute Metal Fume Fever symptoms described.
- C. Manganese fumes are associated with neurological effects and Parkinson-like symptoms, not typically white residue or acute Metal Fume Fever symptoms like dizziness/nausea.
- D. Ozone can cause respiratory irritation but typically doesn't leave a white powdery residue or cause dizziness/nausea as primary symptoms of Metal Fume Fever.
Metal Fume Fever
An acute illness caused by inhaling metal oxide fumes, often zinc oxide, characterized by flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, nausea, and sometimes a sweet taste in the mouth.
- Caused by inhaling metal oxide fumes (e.g., zinc oxide).
- Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, dizziness.
- Often associated with welding galvanized steel.
Memory trick: When zinc gets hot, the fumes start to float, making you feel sick, like a rocking boat.