Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

In a welding and grinding operation, what is a hazard associated with inhalation of metal fumes?

1. Burns from sparks

2. Siderosis development in lungs

3. Electric shock from equipment

4. Choking from dust inhalation

The correct answer is: Siderosis development in lungs

Inhalation of metal fumes during welding and grinding operations can lead to various health issues, one of which is siderosis. Siderosis is a form of pneumoconiosis specifically caused by the inhalation of iron oxide particles. When metal fumes are inhaled, these fine particles can accumulate in the lungs, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and other respiratory complications. Siderosis primarily affects the lungs, where the iron deposits can interfere with the normal functioning of respiratory tissues. Chronic exposure can result in long-term health effects, emphasizing the importance of adequate respiratory protection in environments where metal fumes are present. The other choices do address potential hazards associated with welding and grinding but do not specifically relate to the inhalation of metal fumes. While burns can occur from sparks, electric shock is a risk associated with the equipment, and choking could result from dust inhalation, these issues do not directly tie to the specific hazards of inhaling metal fumes like siderosis does.