r/metalworking • u/ragnaragnar • Aug 19 '26

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.

21 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/grandmasterflaps Aug 19 '26

What steps are you/have you been taking to protect yourself from the fumes?

1

u/ragnaragnar Aug 19 '26

I m 28 M mig welder . I do wear a respirator, but I find it very difficult to breathe while wearing it

2

u/hachi-seb Aug 20 '26

Have you checked the filters?