Respiratory issues, need opinions pls

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So for the last few months I've been having an increasing number of sore throats, sinus pain, and breathing difficulties.The last month or so it's gotten worse, my doctor has tried antibiotics, asthma medications, allergy medications, nothing has made any improvement. Rescue inhalers don't even help, it's like breathing through a tiny little straw all the time. And I don't smoke, no allergies, nothing.Today I awoke with the usual scratchy throat and chest congestion, but went off to work as always. I wasn't there an hour and I just couldn't take it today. It's like mud in my chest and I am really working hard to pull air in and push it out. I'm exhausted just from breathing.Called the doctor and he says we've run out of things to try, and the next step is to see an occupational health specialist. But he warned me that these people he wants me to see are tenacious, the head DR there is also a professor at the local university and a director with the department of health. They are notorious for putting the hammer down on employers apparently. "Something to consider" he says.I like the company I work for, been there four years,  the pay sucks, but the benefits are excellent and the people are very nice to me. They do have serious health and safety deficiencies, like I do not get issued respirators and I weld galvi, weld in confined spaces, grind and sand old industrial finishes, and use industrial adhesives like body filler. The best I get is a particle mask that I have to make last a week. Potentially lots of bad stuff in the air and only one tiny 16" exhaust fan for a 100x150' building. Can four years of exposure cause all this? I've worked in an industrial capacity my whole life and never had issues before.The owner's method for dealing with anything that's a problem is to get rid of it, and I don't want to be gotten rid of, but I don't want to be sick either.I also don't want to be labeled as having health issues to other employers. The Boilermakers union is about to give me full journeyman status because of my experience and abilities. I know contractors aren't allowed to ask, but some of them seem to know about the people who have health issues somehow anyway.I don't want to lose my job or damage my future employability. But I have to do something.And I'm worried they're going to tell me I can't weld professionally anymore, what then? I'm 31 and I have options at least, I can go back to college but I love welding and welding loves me.What do you think I should do? Or what has been your experience?I don't want to do the wrong thing and have everyone turn on me.mens agitat molem
Reply:I'd say your body is telling you what you need to do.If the conditions are that bad, you'd not only be helping yourself but also your co-workers.IF it is a workplace created hazard, it needs to be corrected.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:You need to not be breathing in the crap that you are.Your employer should take care of this for you, ie by providing fresh air (fans, smoke eaters, respirator, etc), but if they dont, and if you like youe employer, you might want to think about providing them for yourself.I dont do much welding, just a little outside of school, but I use a painting resperator. Anytime im welding on or cutting anything painted or dirty, i can see the smoke roll up under my hood, but I dont even smell them. Its awesome!!But its also big. I can only get my helmet partway down when wearing it, but i only once in a blue moon need it, so it works out.If one is doing lots of this work, this 3M respirator sounds like a well spent $21 to me. It should help with a lot. Id buy it and get a stack of those little filters and just keep them in the truck/toolbox/whatever.http://store.cyberweld.com/3mwereaswiod.htmlGood luck man, feel better soon, and happy welding [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:I'd buy my own protective gear from the start if it wasn't provided, and if I quit I'd set them up for an OSHA smackdown so they don't maim or kill anyone else.They aren't "nice" if they don't care about killing their workers. They are merely "friendly". So are h00kers with HIV.If I want "friendly" I'll buy a dog.I also don't want to be labeled as having health issues to other employers.
Reply:I am with those who say that your body is telling you that you need to change what you are doing.I would note that there are systems to give you better air.   A PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) puts a battery powered pump and filter on your belt, and is rated 10 times as effective as a regular particle mask.   These are not cheap, on the order of $1000.  I use a Triton PAPR when I have heavy grinding to do. I know a lady welder who uses a pump away from the welder, with a long hose, so she gets clean air (In her case, from inside her house, as her shop is attached to her house. )   At one point, she was concerned about a smell in her mask, but traced it to something in the house!  In her case it was allergies to smoke.If I was welding much galvanized, I would want my breathing air brought in from a distance, or have an exhaust hood.  Miller and others sell systems specifically to suck up and filter welding fumes at the source.I don't think that you necessarily need to change careers, but those cheap respirators are not working for you.I don't have a strong feeling about turning in your employer, but if you visit an occupational health person and they go after your employer without you asking them to do so, your hands are clean.  Whatever, I would get the help you need or find another place to work.RichardLast edited by raferguson; 06-09-2011 at 04:49 PM.Sculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallI'd buy my own protective gear from the start if it wasn't provided, and if I quit I'd set them up for an OSHA smackdown so they don't maim or kill anyone else.They aren't "nice" if they don't care about killing their workers. They are merely "friendly". So are h00kers with HIV.If I want "friendly" I'll buy a dog.Neither did coal miners who died of black lung. Consider a lawsuit if you have respiratory damage, but DOCUMENT all the causes. The usual "lawyer hate" is the product of industry propaganda eaten up by chumps. There are lots of sick and dead chumps who trusted their employer. Employers who don't DELIBERATELY study industrial safety don't know squat.It's not being selfish. Even if you didn't care about dying yourself, what about the other workers? Most people have NO idea about safety. Many others don't care, and that's why safety must be enforced by law.
Reply:Are you sure the trigger is coming from work? Can you visit the occupational specialist and withhold the name of your employer? Can you take a break from work and see if your symptoms go away? I used to work at a saw shop when I was in high school. The owner started the business back in the days before tungsten carbide became popular. He developed an allergy to the carbide dust created while sharpening blades. He had a setup that brought fresh air from outside into a full face respirator mask. His allergy got so bad that one slip up with the mask would put him in bed for days. He sold the business in 2003. I ran into him about a month ago, he said he misses nothing about it.If the job is the problem, it's got to go, nothing is as important as your health.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:I had similar problems when i worked for Boeing several years ago. It all started when we had to MIG weld in a smaller rocket that we started producing in our plant.  It was a confined space and the OZONE levels were off the chart. Our safety department went into full retard mode and we had to get these Darth Vader looking; supplied breathing air, helmets.  They were heavy and cumbersome but we quit getting sick.Ozone in small amounts cleans the air but at the levels we were exposed to, it was poisonous.  Bronchitis like symptoms for months on end. Just about the time that we would get over it, it would start again. That coincided with the frequency of the welds.  About one per month.Ozone is some bad stuff and so is all that other stuff that you are describing.Two turn tables and a microphone.
Reply:I'd say that the trigger is definitely coming from work considering that he is using nothing more than a painters mask to protect himself is like using a wet noodle to fight off an angry lion on roid rage with a bad case of itchy dick.  Your life is more important any one job and I'm surprised that no one has OSHA on this place.  You without a doubt need to go in and get medical help because your lungs could be on their last leg and you should get with your union rep to see about talking to a lawyer and let the union know whats going on where you work at.  Working conditions like yours is one of the reasons why unions were brought about so let your union help you out.
Reply:Fu@@ the union and get yourself a decent respirator. If they won't let you use it, call OSHA.As already mentioned, the 3m cartridge respirator fits under your hood. If you don't fancy that, the 3m P100 disposables are excellent. http://www.ccrane.com/more-categorie...ator-mask.aspxI provide P100 disposables to my crew. After initial hesitance, some feel naked without them.Good luck to ya.
Reply:Yes, your job is likely your problem.  You ever have a pft?  Most companies around here get them on their welders once a year,  cheaper insurance that way. Well worker program.  Do a lot of test on welders, machinist, and auto body guys.   Stick welding in poorly ventilated spaces is horrible.
Reply:I can certainly empathize.   I suffer from Environmental Illness due to the building I worked in.    I now get lung infections at least 4 or 5 times a year.   My symptoms are a lot like having a really bad case of the flu, aches and pains, sore throat, congestion.   It's to the point where I can't take antibiotics anymore.  My immune system is defintly compromoised.Thank gawd I only have 3 yrs. left to pension, and I won't even have to come to the city (we live in the country) unless I want to.Can't really offer much advice, except to say try and avoid situations that might trigger a reaction.   It's easier said than done though.
Reply:Something I don't see is a cortizone shot... The inhaler has some steroid in it but maybe not enough if your getting sensitive to metal fumes (dodgy subject, but for some a very real aquired reaction).Grinding paint and scale is usually a long term and permanent thing, not good.You can get a flow meter to blow in to be certain that inflamation or obstruction is real and causing a reduction in lung function, I can't remember if the number is above 450 for good, but I think at 150-200 the emergency room is going to get the epi-pen out just in case you seize up on them.Good LuckMatt
Reply:Thanks for the motivation everyone. My doctor and I are pretty sure that work is the cause, we've ruled out most everything else.I am going to try and see a pulmonary doctor before I go to the occupational people and see if he can make his own determination without giving him too much info.Oh and when are you guys going to figure out I'M A GIRL! lolmens agitat molem
Reply:hard to tell with the weldors cap, leather welding jacket,gloves, and hood good luck with the test  i was told i have COPD in 03' so i can relate with the shortness of breathlike breathing thru a coffee strawidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:Originally Posted by PangeaI had similar problems when i worked for Boeing several years ago. It all started when we had to MIG weld in a smaller rocket that we started producing in our plant.  It was a confined space and the OZONE levels were off the chart. Our safety department went into full retard mode and we had to get these Darth Vader looking; supplied breathing air, helmets.  They were heavy and cumbersome but we quit getting sick.Ozone in small amounts cleans the air but at the levels we were exposed to, it was poisonous.  Bronchitis like symptoms for months on end. Just about the time that we would get over it, it would start again. That coincided with the frequency of the welds.  About one per month.Ozone is some bad stuff and so is all that other stuff that you are describing.
Reply:Originally Posted by ncfhOh and when are you guys going to figure out I'M A GIRL! lol
Reply:Originally Posted by ncfhThanks for the motivation everyone. My doctor and I are pretty sure that work is the cause, we've ruled out most everything else.I am going to try and see a pulmonary doctor before I go to the occupational people and see if he can make his own determination without giving him too much info.Oh and when are you guys going to figure out I'M A GIRL! lol
Reply:Originally Posted by ncfhOh and when are you guys going to figure out I'M A GIRL! lol
Reply:Originally Posted by ncfhOh and when are you guys going to figure out I'M A GIRL! lol
Reply:I'm in agreement with all the posts here....question I would ask myself is, what do great benefits do if I'm out of work or dead?
Reply:What I use at work - The CA16-0905-SGXX:http://www.drillspot.com/products/58...shield_28_x_42Next helmet I am looking into -The 9100FX Air:http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...20Brochure.pdfLinks are not the normal ones I use, but I'm on a borrowed computer.As for being female? Never crossed my mind - I am reading a question by a fellow welder.If you wished to be admired as a female, then yeah, pics would help.Later,Jason
Reply:It is your employer's responsibility, (the law) to provide you with a safe work environment! No body is going to take care of your safety, and health as good as you will, trust no one!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPIt is your employer's responsibility, (the law) to provide you with a safe work environment! No body is going to take care of your safety, and health as good as you will, trust no one!
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonTrue, but the employer meeting the minimum requirements the law allows for may not be enough. I would protect myself beyond what the employer lawfully provides or find another job.He11 it could be black mold, could vapors from some product setting around that dosen't bother anyone else. Not everything is caused intentionally by some evil employer. They can't fix something they don't know about."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt