// HEALTH ISSUES CAUSED BY LASER GENERATED FUMES
The ability of Laser fumes to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are made up of highly toxic VOC's, to those with no known major health effects. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effects will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed.
Particulates carry there own risks as do the more toxic gases. Common reported health complaints from VOC's range from the acute to the chronic:
ACUTE:
• Eye, Nose and Throat Irritation
• Headaches
• Imbalance
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting/nausea
CHRONIC:
• Asthma exacerbation
• Cancer
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Central nervous system damage
Most studies and legislation is based upon the effects of single chemicals upon the human body when absorbed. The combination of VOC's and particulates is far less documented; with regards to laser fume this is a highly contentious topic as Workplace exposure limits are based on the single chemicals, this topic is open to discussion on our FORUM.
// The ability of Laser fumes to cause health effects varies greatly.
When dealing with particulate there are further problems. Dust of any sort can be considered hazardous if it falls within the respirable range of 4mg/m3 in an 8 hour period. In laser fume much of the particulate matter will be of this nature and although being potentially less harmful the VOC's still pose a major health threat. Especially when considering that steel will emit chromium and Nickel fume which is carcinogenic.
However despite all these dangers there are further chemicals which pose a major risk.
If we focus on Phosgene, which is a common ingredient in polymers such a polycarbonate, polyurethane (food containers, seat foam, electronics components) we get an idea of the toxicity of substances in laser fume.
Phosgene was originally used as a poison in the first world war, when it is inhaled it combines with water in the tissues of the respiratory tract to form hydrochloric acid, which in turn destroys the hosts lungs.
The importance of adequate fume extraction is obviously vital not only for the health of the workforce but also due to the rising number of worker compensation claims that could be brought upon a company. Even a tiny amount of contaminant can have dramatic effects on workers health, with increased sick leave, poor employee relations and can affect production downtime.
