A normal by-product of welding are fumes. These fumes can have immediate and long term health risks. Up until just a few years ago, it was common to walk into welding shops and see a blue, gray or brown haze in the air. This was just an accepted thing to see, until more study and occupational laws began to tighten up. The short term hazards, of certain fumes can range from mild nausea and disorientation to death. Long term hazards can result in serious health issues including cancer, memory loss, and asthma like symptoms.