Ultraviolet radiation from welding and possible risk of skin and ocular malignancy

Over 98% of solar UVR exposure is in the form of UVA. It penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB or UVC, but is less associated with DNA damage.1,2 This may mean that UVA is least likely to produce skin malignancies.

UVB accounts for less than 2% of our solar UVR exposure, as much of it is absorbed in the upper atmosphere. UVB is responsible for most of the DNA damage within skin cells, and arguably most of the resultant skin cancers.1,2

UVC exposure is insignificant for most people, as solar UVC is readily absorbed in the atmosphere before reaching the earth’s surface. Knowledge of the effects of UVC on skin is less clear, but it may be as dangerous to skin as UVB.2,3

Arc welding produces the full spectrum of UVR. The short distance between the arc and the welder’s skin may not be sufficient to absorb most of the UVB and UVC. Arc welders may therefore be at significantly increased risk of developing actinic skin and ocular damage, including malignancy, particularly if they have inadequate protection (Box 1). Furthermore, thermal burns from hot metal can occur when welding and contribute to this risk.4

Of the five articles we found that commented on cases of skin cancer possibly attributable to welding, only one was a case–control study of the risk of skin cancer from arc welding. This study, by Emmett et al,5 observed that welders often had skin erythema and small scars from burns, but did not find a link between welding and the development of skin cancer. Several features of the study are noteworthy. The researchers studied only one workplace, which was described as having “well run welding operations which use and enforce current safety standards”. The welders “predominantly welded mild steel”. Their average age was relatively young (43 years), and they had been working for the same employer for an average of 16.9 years (Box 2). As skin cancer often occurs decades after the significant UVR exposure, it is conceivable that the UVR skin damage experienced by workers in the study by Emmett et al had not yet manifested as malignancy. Furthermore, the study did not include examination for naevi. At the time, the relationship between atypical naevi and melanoma was not understood. We now recognise that multiple atypical naevi are associated with a significantly greater risk of developing melanoma.6

The evidence linking welding with ocular melanoma is more established. Case–control studies have shown that arc welders are at increased risk of developing ocular melanoma. Some have postulated that the increased exposure to UVR is the probable (but not definite) cause (Box 3).8-10

Factors that increase UVR exposure while welding include working close to the arc; increased arc energy, arc duration or electrical current; welding aluminium (as opposed to other metals, such as stainless steel or iron); and using argon as the shielding gas (rather than helium).11

UVR is produced by arc welding processes that include manual metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding (which emits the most radiation and is generally used for welding aluminium). It should be noted that not all welding processes involve striking an arc. Other forms of welding (eg, oxyacetylene, friction stir, resistance, friction, laser and electron-beam welding) produce minimal UVR.

Suitable means of protection from UVR exposure while arc welding include wearing protective gloves together with clothing that covers the arms and forearms down to the gloves. However, the radiant heat from welding can be quite uncomfortable, and welding on a hot day compounds the problem. Discarding heavy welders’ clothing and gloves in favour of short-sleeved shirts (unbuttoned at the top) exposes the hands, forearms, neck and manubrium to a considerably increased level of UVR (Box 3).

Wearing protective clothing while welding is a hindrance not only for full-time welders. Other tradespeople who perform welding occasionally (eg, motor mechanics) find it inconvenient to put on protective clothing, while sculptors and tradespeople doing highly intricate work also experience difficulty in achieving fine detail when wearing heavy clothing and thick gloves.

Furthermore, while welders are invariably trained in health and safety issues, assistants or other workers in the vicinity may not be aware of the possible risks.