Are welding fumes considered a carcinogen?

Yes. In 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified welding fumes as Group 1 carcinogenic to humans. This means there’s strong evidence that long-term exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer, and possibly kidney cancer too.

The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter whether you’re welding stainless steel, mild steel or another alloy — the classification applies across the board. That’s why the HSE tightened its stance in the UK, requiring all employers to have proper local exhaust ventilation (LEV), respirators where needed, and regular COSHH assessments.