Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

The correct answer highlights the specific health hazards associated with arc welding of stainless steel, which often generates fumes that contain particulates from various materials present in the welding electrodes and the stainless steel itself. The primary concerns during this process are the release of certain metals, specifically nickel and chromium, which are integral components of stainless steel.

When stainless steel is heated and welded, these metals can vaporize and form fine particulates that, when inhaled, pose serious respiratory and health risks to the welder. Exposure to nickel can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues, while chromium, particularly in its hexavalent form, is a known carcinogen and can lead to severe lung diseases and other health issues.

Using this understanding, it’s clear that other options do not directly relate to the specific materials involved in stainless steel welding. For instance, copper and zinc are more common concerns with other types of welding, aluminum and lead are typically associated with different industrial activities, and silica and carbon don't specifically arise from the arc welding of stainless steel.