OSHA Evaluation of Welding Fumes[/b] - judge for yourself

[b]Summary of Toxicology: Effects on Humans (taken from the above site):

"Effects on Humans: Exposure to welding fumes from mild steel is associated with the development of a benign pneumoconiosis, "arc welder's siderosis". This condition is a reversible pneumoconiosis and no associated respiratory signs may be present at the time the pneumoconiosis is discovered [Rom 1992]. Respiratory impairment has been observed in workers exposed to mild steel welding fumes, but these impairments may be the result of exposure to other toxicants in the working environment, such as crystalline silica [Rom 1992]. Exposure to welding fumes can result in metal fume fever; this condition resembles influenza and is characterized by fever, chills, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, muscle pain, and a metallic taste in the mouth [Rom 1992]. The respiratory effects appear to be potentiated by smoking. There is an excess of infertility among welders that led to studies on sperm quality and welding exposures. There appears to be an increased frequency of abnormalities in semen quality associated with duration of exposure. Abnormalities were highest among stainless steel welders. While hypotheses exist, the mechanism of action resulting in infertility is not known [Rom 1992; IARC 1990]. IARC concluded that there is limited evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of welding fumes and gases [IARC 1990]. This conclusion was based primarily on a review of 11 cohort studies and 12 case-control studies on lung cancer; only three of these studies (all cohort studies) specifically examined manual metal arc welding of iron, mild steel, or aluminum. Two of the cohort studies found no association between welding fumes and cancer. The remaining cohort studies showed an increased risk for lung cancer, which in some may have been inflated due to selection bias. Ten out of twelve case- control studies showed an association between lung cancer and exposure or employment as a welder. Two of the studies found no risk [IARC 1990]. IARC's final conclusion was that welding fumes are possibly carcinogenic to humans [IARC 1990]."

Tim
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1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.