Fumes

Fumes are solid particles that are formed when a metal or other solid vaporizes and the molecules condense (or solidify) in cool air. This usually occurs during the welding and cutting of metals. Fumes are also produced by hot asphalt during hot tar roofing and paving. Coal tar and plastics also produce fumes when heated.

Fumes are measured as a concentration of airborne particles in a given space and are measured in either milligrams or micrograms per cubic meter of air (either mg/m³ or µg/m³).

Fumes can irritate the skin, eyes, and nose. Fumes are respirable, and primarily affect the body when they are breathed in. Because of their small particle size, fumes can easily pass from the lungs into the bloodstream.

To learn more about Shipyard Chemical Hazards visit our Shipyard Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.