Galanized fumes,
It might not be fatal to breathe, but it sure is uncomfortable when you get enough of it to make you sick. I never enjoyed the experience, so I make our guys use the disposable respirators. Actually they ask for them, I don't "make" them wear it. Even if it only makes you think you are being safer, the guys at least think you are trying to look out for their well being. Morale is important in a shop, the days go by alot better with good morale.
I didn't mean to create panic in the welding world, but I'm sure I'm not the only person who has been terribly ill from those dreaded green and yellow fumes.
It looks like galvanized jobs come in spurts. We'll go several months without a single piece of steel needing to be hot dipped. Then we'll get several jobs at once that will last months, all galvanized. After several days of welding on this stuff, you'll feel the effects.
I know what you're thinking, "Do you want some cheese to go with that whine?"
Take care,
John Wright