Metal fumes: exposure to heavy metals, their relationship with oxidative stress and their effect on health.

Metalworking industry, especially welding processes, is one of the most economically active in the world. Transformation and joining of metal parts are used in many labor activities, such as construction. Welding uses different metal mixtures to carry out bonding through various processes. The greatest chemical risk associated with welding is the emission of metallic fumes, which enter the body mainly through the respiratory system, producing effects in all systems of the human body. Therefore, studies are needed to support the control of exposures to these chemicals in the workplace, as well as the limitation of emissions to the environment, by governments, employers, and workers. Research, innovation, development and use of chemicals advance very fast, especially in welding where new mixtures or metal alloys are used every day. However, knowledge of the effects of these chemicals does not advance at the same speed. This review intends to make a compilation of investigations on the last 20 years about exposition of heavy metals by inhalation of metallic fumes, emphasizing a description of the most used metals in welding, and its relationship with oxidative stress and health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]