Some research that might be relevant to any serious welders out there.

This if from an MRC newsletter.
http://www.mrc.ac.uk/consumption/groups/public/documents/content/mrc008847.pdf


Simple vaccination could save welders’ lives

MRC research has shown that welders and other workers exposed to
metal fumes have a higher risk of dying from certain types of pneumonia,
suggesting that they should be offered a simple life-saving vaccination.
A review of the evidence, led by Professor Keith Palmer at the MRC
Lifecourse Epidemiology unit at the university of Southampton, showed
that welders were up to six times more likely to suffer from pneumococcal
pneumonia. The research corroborates recent advice from the Department
of health that these workers should be offered the PPv23 vaccination,
which costs around £30 per jab.
The disease tends to affect vulnerable patients such as babies and the
elderly, so many welders and the healthcare professionals who care for
them may be unaware that they are more at risk.
Dr Palmer explained: “Companies need to ensure that anyone who
undertakes welding work is offered the vaccination. They also need to
advise workers how to reduce their exposure to the fumes as much as
possible and encourage them to not smoke.”

Published online at http://occmed.oxfordjournals.org, July 2012



Maybe worth getting a jab if you weld a lot.

Matt

Welders cough or welders lung, similar to miners problems
Didn't realise you could vaccinate against it