Skin cancer and welding

Abstract

Many workers in several different occupations can be exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which may increase their risk of developing skin cancer. Welding, an occupation employing an estimated 11 million people worldwide, is one such occupation. Welders are known to be exposed to the full spectrum of UVR from the welding arc and often experience burns and localized cutaneous erythema. In 2017, UVR from welding was classified as carcinogenic to humans based on sufficient evidence of ocular melanoma in humans. It has been hypothesized that exposure to UVR from the welding arc also may increase the risk of skin cancer among workers in this occupation. This review summarizes the current literature on skin cancer risk in welders.