Welders

At that time, the gear of the welder posed certain health risks. The protective wear, in some cases, contained asbestos to make them heat resistant.

Both the welders and their families were at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. The welders were in direct contact with the asbestos materials and their families suffered from second-hand exposure because of the dust brought home on the workers’ clothes and tools.

In the military, welders had to perform similar duties to civilians who had this job under the rating of certified welder. Most of their responsibilities concerned fabricating and assembling metal structures and equipment by using welders, cutters, shapers and measuring tools. They were exposed to asbestos to a great extent since toxic fibers would often come off welding rods in the forms of smoke and dust. Asbestos exposure also occurred when welders would smooth out seams. Finally, welders had to handle boilers, piping, and insulation while serving in the military, all of which were manufactured with asbestos.

Relevant job titles

• welder helper
• pipe welder
• electric welder
• assembly welder
• shop welder
• structural welder
• tube welder
• welder apprentice
• welder foreman