Stan in Oly, WA
Well-known Member
Welding galvanized metal without removing the zinc, and the zinc fumes which resulted, used to be considered a potential source of possible flu like symptoms which might last as long as overnight. Now, frequently I see warnings that suggest that it is in the same category as plutonium dust, ebola virus, or insulting a mafia chieftain. When did it become so deadly?
I've spent hours putting a 6013 texture on 1-1/2" galvanized pipe in a 4' X 5' welding booth with an exhaust system that was no more than adequate. My protective strategy was to keep my head out of the plume. I never felt so much as queasy, much less flu-ish. If this trend continues, we'll soon be required to call in a haz-mat team whenever a piece of galvanized metal is reported on a job site---much the way asbestos is currently (and absurdly) treated.
I do notice that the dire warnings about zinc fumes never originate with individuals whose previous postings have made it clear that they are the most experienced weldors. I suspect that this (exaggerated) information comes from people who are delighted to know one grave thing---the same people who love to warn about the 1/7 withdraw rate for acetylene tanks without having any idea how to calculate it, or even what it actually means.
Stan
I've spent hours putting a 6013 texture on 1-1/2" galvanized pipe in a 4' X 5' welding booth with an exhaust system that was no more than adequate. My protective strategy was to keep my head out of the plume. I never felt so much as queasy, much less flu-ish. If this trend continues, we'll soon be required to call in a haz-mat team whenever a piece of galvanized metal is reported on a job site---much the way asbestos is currently (and absurdly) treated.
I do notice that the dire warnings about zinc fumes never originate with individuals whose previous postings have made it clear that they are the most experienced weldors. I suspect that this (exaggerated) information comes from people who are delighted to know one grave thing---the same people who love to warn about the 1/7 withdraw rate for acetylene tanks without having any idea how to calculate it, or even what it actually means.
Stan