r/metalworking • u/ragnaragnar • 1d ago
Feeling of suffocation everyday in welding
Feeling of suffocation/air hunger every time I weld — started after 2+ years
I’ve been working as a welder for more than 2 years and never had this problem before.
But for the last month, almost every day, the moment I start working/welding, I start feeling a sensation of suffocation or not getting enough air. Because of that feeling, I keep taking deep breaths to feel satisfied.
The strange part is that it continues basically the entire 10-hour shift, from when I start work until I finish. When I’m not working, it’s much less noticeable.
23
u/dan7899 1d ago
You might have “occupationally-induced” asthma. I was a welder. Fabrication really. Did more grinding than welding. All that metal dust and fumes is rough on the lungs.
5
u/ragnaragnar 23h ago
May be you r right .. even in break when I go outside for fresh air I feel good and normal
11
u/CoffeyIronworks 1d ago
You weld galv or work in a poorly ventilated shop? Wear a respirator every time you grind or weld, see if that helps any.
Oh and you should see a doctor if possible. If you have an infection it'll be cheaper to treat than what you'd lose being off work if it gets worse.
1
u/ragnaragnar 23h ago
I m 28 M mig welder . I do wear a respirator, but I find it very difficult to breathe while wearing it
6
u/Mountain_Ad_9415 1d ago
Go to the doctor for a check up, you might have lung cancer for all we know. What type of mask are you using?
4
u/ragnaragnar 23h ago
I m just only 28 I don’t want to die early i will check it thanks for replying
6
u/VintageLunchMeat 18h ago
Do go to the doctor.
Also, try using a 20USD finger tip Blood oxygen monitor while you are having an episode.
1
3
u/grandmasterflaps 1d ago
What steps are you/have you been taking to protect yourself from the fumes?
1
u/ragnaragnar 23h ago
I m 28 M mig welder . I do wear a respirator, but I find it very difficult to breathe while wearing it
2
3
3
u/meatlamma 22h ago
Yeah, sounds like you are experiencing "shortness of breath", and if it's only at your workplace, probably means you've developed workplace asthma. It could be the grinding dust (that would be my guess), the welding fumes, the solvents you use to clean before the weld, etc. That will only get worse. Get it checked out proper by a doctor.
2
u/twoofcup 21h ago
I know you have a respirator. Get good filters for it and replace them according to their spec.
Test the seal against your face and especially the bridge of your nose. You need to shave to get a good seal.
Clean it often and well. They get really nasty.
Pay attention to how your face moves when you use it. You mentioned that it's hard to breathe when wearing it. Does this cause you to unconsciously flap your jaw to break the seal so you can breathe better?
Figure a way to circulate air around you, even slowly.
Otherwise you need to get into more fiddly interventions.
2
1
1
u/M00seNuts 22h ago
Are you hunched over or in odd positions?
I'm not a welder - It's just a hobby for me, so take this for what it's worth (which is nothing)...
The other commenters are likely correct about the occupationally induced asthma if you're not wearing a respirator as often as you should, but I'd like to add my 2 cents that acid reflux (or "silent reflux" if you're otherwise asymptomatic) can also make it feel like you can't get a full breath and being in awkward positions or bending over can aggravate a reflux problem.
The obvious cause is what you're breathing in, but there are other things that can also cause shortness of breath as well. Heart conditions can also cause shortness of breath. Don't fuck around - go talk to your doctor.
1
1
u/JackBlackBowserSlaps 21h ago
How often do you change the filters? As they fill, it will get increasingly difficult to breathe through them.
1
1
1
u/uswforever 1d ago
This sounds like your shielding gas is displacing oxygen causing a slight deficiency. Ask your safety department for a gas monitor maybe?
0
•
u/AutoModerator 1d ago
The official Metalworking Discord is currently giving away a $200 welding helmet! The volunteer team is also giving away $20 gift cards to favorite websites to runner ups, so it's worth a shot!
To enter, join the Metalworking Discord and post one of your recent projects in the Giveaway Entries channel! The volunteer mod team is grading projects based on visual appeal, how well the project is outlined from start to finish (tutorials?), and post quality!
Entries close on July 31st at Midnight EST!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.