What can be done to protect yourself from toxic metal fumes during the welding process? It's been long known that not protecting yourself from such dangerous fumes comes at a very high price on your health. Acute and prolonged exposure may have very negative consequences. Fortunately there are many ways to protect your health and enjoy a prosperous long life. Without the proper protection, overexposure to hazardous fumes can show acute or chronic health effects. Acute effects appearing immediately or within hours of exposure. Chronic being health effects resulting from repeated long-term exposure. Consequences followed by acute exposure of the toxic fumes may result in eye, nose and throat irritation, dizziness and nausea. Prolonged exposure
