Welding Fume Claims — Occupational Lung Disease Compensation

Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Welding fume is a Group 1 carcinogen associated with lung cancer, COPD and other serious respiratory conditions. If you developed a lung disease from workplace welding fume exposure, EA Personal Injury Solicitors can help you claim compensation on a no win, no fee basis.

TL;DR — Quick Summary

Key Points

Welding fumes were reclassified as a Group 1 definite carcinogen by the IARC in 2017
Both welders and bystander workers can develop welding fume diseases
Lung cancer, COPD and occupational asthma can all be caused by welding fume
Three-year limitation period from date of knowledge of work-related cause
No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation

The Health Risks of Welding Fume

Welding fume is generated by the condensation of vaporised metal and flux materials as they cool in air. The exact composition depends on the welding process and the base metal being welded. Common components include iron oxide, manganese oxide, chromium compounds (in stainless steel welding), nickel compounds, zinc oxide (in galvanised steel welding) and various silicates and fluorides.

Fine particles in the fume — PM2.5 and smaller — penetrate deep into the lung, where they can cause direct tissue damage, inflammation and, with prolonged exposure, permanent disease. In 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified all welding fumes (not just those from stainless steel) as Group 1 — definite human carcinogens — based on evidence for lung cancer and limited evidence for kidney cancer.

Welding Fume-Related Conditions

Lung cancer — the most serious consequence of prolonged welding fume inhalation
Occupational asthma — particularly in stainless steel welding (chrome and nickel sensitisation) and in workers exposed to isocyanates used in some coatings
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — irreversible airflow limitation from chronic fume exposure
Siderosis — benign accumulation of iron deposits in the lung from iron-oxide fume; can impair lung function
Metal fume fever — a temporary flu-like reaction to fresh zinc oxide fume (galvanised steel), typically resolving within 24-48 hours but potentially causing long-term sensitisation
Manganism — neurological disorder (Parkinson's-like symptoms) from chronic manganese exposure in certain welding processes

Employer Duties for Welding Fume Control

The HSE published EH40 Workplace Exposure Limits and guidance on welding fume control spanning several decades. Since 2019, following the IARC reclassification, the HSE has imposed stringent requirements: local exhaust ventilation (LEV) must be used for all welding indoors and, where LEV alone is insufficient, suitable respiratory protective equipment must also be worn. Adequate ventilation outdoors must also be maintained.

Prior to 2019, employers had obligations under COSHH and general health and safety law to adequately control welding fume. The adequacy of their measures is assessed against what was reasonably practicable at the relevant time.

No Win, No Fee Welding Fume Claims

We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. If the claim fails, you pay nothing. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What diseases are caused by welding fume?

Welding fume is a complex mixture of metal oxides, silicates and fluorides. It is associated with lung cancer, siderosis (iron accumulation in the lungs), occupational asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and manganism (neurological effects from manganese in certain welding processes). In 2017, the IARC reclassified welding fumes as a Group 1 (definite) carcinogen.

When did employers know welding fume was dangerous?

The health risks of welding fume have been documented since the mid-twentieth century. Guidance on controlling welding fume has been published by the HSE and its predecessors for decades. Employers in sectors using welding have long been on notice of the need to control fume exposure.

Do I need to have welded myself to make a claim?

No. Bystander exposure — being present in a welding environment without welding yourself — can cause the same diseases. Fitters, grinders, supervisors and others working near welders can all be affected.

How long do I have to make a welding fume claim?

Three years from the date of knowledge — when you knew (or ought to have known) your condition was significant and was caused by welding fume exposure at work.

I smoked — does this affect my welding fume lung cancer claim?

Smoking history is relevant and the defendant may argue contributory negligence. However, welding fume and tobacco smoke are independent risk factors for lung cancer. Awards are regularly made to smokers with work-related lung cancer, with appropriate apportionment.

What if the welding I did was in the 1970s or 1980s?

Historical welding fume claims are possible. The limitation period runs from the date of knowledge, which may be recent even if the exposure was decades ago. We have experience handling historical occupational lung disease claims.

Published by EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Edward and Amaury Limited · SRA No. 800525

Verify the firm and its regulated people on the SRA Register. General information only; this is not legal advice.