Hazard Warning - Jewelry and Metalworking

Machinery and toxic chemicals used in metal casting, welding, brazing, soldering, forging, metal fabrication and surface treatment of metals can cause both minor and serious illnesses. Inhalation of metal fumes may cause metal fume fever, respiratory damage and cancer. Continued inhalation of lead containing soldering fumes can cause chronic lead poisoning. Intense UV light from welding can cause painful eye damage and possible skin cancer. All these sections on Occupational Health issues are meant to solely increase your awareness of certain potential hazards and are not intended as a complete guide. Medical concerns should be immediately communicated to your physician or a responsible health care provider.

What causes these diseases?
Inhalation is the most common route of exposure. To smell something is to inhale it. However, not all chemical have a detectable odor and some deaden your sense of smell. Acute inhalation of some metal fumes such as brass, bronze, copper, iron and zinc can cause metal fume fever with flu-like symptoms. Acute or chronic inhalation of many metal fumes may cause more serious impairment.

Accidental oral ingestion and inhalation of toxic materials is common. Tiny particles deposit on eating utensils and cigarettes. Soiled hands can transfer materials to food and cigarettes. Inhaled cigarette smoke carries airborne vapors and poisonous fumes deep into the lungs.

Some solvents are absorbed by the human skin and enter the bloodstream. The result may be skin irritation, rashes, itchy skin, swelling or blistered skin, hardened or flaky skin, allergic sensitization, liver and kidney damage, nerve damage, reproductive system and fetal damage, reproductive system and fetal damage and certain types of cancer.

How do I protect myself?
Wear non-flammable protective clothing; use leather gloves to handle hot metals; wear goggles for chipping/grinding and wire-brushing. Use shaded face shields when using a torch flame and also to protect against flying sparks.

Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation or use an air supplied respirator when working around toxic metal fumes. Vent contaminated air to the outside and provide fresh air to your breathing zone.

Vacuum or wet mop dusty areas frequently. Use wet sanding to cut down dust levels.

Avoid overexposure to heat and noise from heavy machinery. Keep machinery in good repair. Enclose noisy parts with sound absorbing material. Machines can be mounted on springs or pads of foam rubber. Wear ear protection and take frequent breaks. Temporary hearing loss after work may seem unimportant but repeated episodes lead to permanent damage.

Minimize vibration. It can lead to impairment of circulation in fingers. Use comfortable hand grips, keep hands warm and take frequent breaks.

Avoid welding or melting junk or found metal. Many contain highly toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, or beryllium. Even small amounts of fumes from these metals can damage your health.

When using acid solutions, caustic soda and solvents, wear protective goggles and gloves. Always add the acid to the water when mixing, never the reverse. Cover acid baths.

Store material in well-labeled metal containers. Keep containers closed to prevent escape to vapors and dusts. Store containers on low shelves to reduce likelihood of breakage. Store chemicals that may react with one another in separate areas. Keep children out of work area.

Dispose of toxic materials appropriately. Buy only what you need to reduce volume you must dispose of. Collaborate with others to share the cost of disposal of large quantities. Check local and state regulations about disposal.