Have you ever wondered why welders drink milk before or after working? The main reason people give is that milk can protect welders from breathing in dangerous fumes, especially when welding metals like galvanized steel.
Some folks think milk helps the body fight off toxic stuff from the air. But is this true, or just an old story passed down from one welder to the next? Some welders believe in it, while others say it’s just a myth.
Curious to know the real answer? Keep reading to discover the truth about why welders drink milk and if it truly keeps them safe!
Why Do Welders Drink Milk?
Some welders drink milk before or after working. The main reason is a common belief that milk helps protect them from harmful fumes. These fumes can come from welding metals like stainless steel, galvanized steel, and brass.
When you weld these metals, the process can make dangerous gases, especially if you work without enough ventilation or a mask. Galvanized steel, which is coated with zinc, creates fumes that might make you feel sick, giving you flu-like symptoms called "metal fume fever".
Welders have heard that drinking milk can help by possibly binding to metals in your body, like zinc or lead, and remove them. Some think the calcium in milk could help lower the harm from breathing these fumes.
Here’s a quick look at why milk is used:
|
Metal |
Fume Issues |
Why Milk? |
|
Stainless steel |
Chromium, nickel fumes |
Thought to lower risk |
|
Brass |
Zinc fumes |
Believed to ease symptoms |
|
Galvanized steel |
Zinc fumes |
Common advice in shops |
|
Argon |
Inert gas, suffocation |
Milk has no effect |
There’s no proof that milk protects you from welding fumes. Experts say the best way to stay safe is proper ventilation and wearing a mask. Drinking milk might be comforting, but it is not a substitute for safety gear.
Learn more about metals by reading our article: Different Types of Metal Used in Welding.
Does Drinking Milk Protect Welders From Welding Fumes Or Metal Fume Fever?
Some welders believe that drinking milk can protect you from welding fumes or help prevent metal fume fever. This idea is common, especially when working with galvanized steel, which releases zinc fumes.
There is no strong scientific proof that milk helps your body fight off the harmful effects of welding fumes. These fumes contain tiny metal particles that can enter your lungs and cause problems. Milk does not filter or neutralize these particles in your body.
Metal fume fever is like having the flu, but it is caused by breathing in zinc fumes. You might get a fever, chills, or muscle aches. While some claim that calcium in milk can absorb harmful metals, this has not been proven to protect your lung function or stop you from getting sick.
Drinking milk may be comforting, but it won’t stop you from breathing in carcinogenic fumes. The only sure way to stay safe is to use proper ventilation, wear a good respirator, and follow safety rules.
What Actually Keeps Welders Safe From Fumes?
To stay safe from welding fumes, you need the right protective equipment. This is called PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment. Some examples are gloves, leather aprons, helmets, safety glasses, and most importantly, a respirator.
A good respirator covers your nose and mouth. It helps filter out harmful particles and gases from welding. Not all respirators are the same—make sure you use one made for welding.
Stay safer on the job with a helmet that protects your eyes and helps you breathe easier, ArcCaptain’s Digital Auto Darkening Welding Helmet.
Fume extraction is also important. This means using special fans or hoods to pull fumes away from where you work. The cleaner the air around you, the less you breathe in.
It helps to work in areas with good ventilation. Open windows and fans can move the fumes out of the room. Always check if your workspace has enough airflow.
Some simple steps to follow:
- Always wear your PPE.
- Use a proper respirator when welding.
- Turn on any fume extraction systems.
- Work in places with good ventilation.
Drinking milk does not protect you from fumes. To stay safe, always use proper tools and follow safety rules. Check out our full guide about Welding Machine Safety: How to Avoid Accidents and Injuries.
Conclusion
In the end, the idea that milk protects welders from toxic fumes is more myth than fact. While the story of why welders drink milk is an interesting part of welding culture, it really shows how old habits and beliefs can stick around.
There’s no solid science proving that drinking milk keeps welders safer on the job. The best way to stay protected is to use the right safety gear and follow safe welding practices.
For reliable protection, be sure to check out ArcCaptain’s top-quality equipment and helmets designed to keep welders safe every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are welders supposed to drink milk?
You might hear that drinking milk helps protect welders from harmful fumes, but this is a myth. There’s no proof that milk keeps your lungs safe when working with oxy acetylene cutting torch equipment or any fuel gas.
The best way to stay safe is to use good ventilation and always wear your proper personal protective gear.
Does milk work for welders flash?
Milk will not treat or prevent arc eye or “welder’s flash.” Welding flash happens when your eyes are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during welding or cutting metal with a torch, not from something you eat or drink.
If you get flash burn, you should rest your eyes and see a doctor if pain or vision problems continue.
What food is good for welders?
Eating a balanced diet helps your body deal with the heat and physical effort you use while handling cutting torch equipment, adjusting oxygen and acetylene valves, or working with heavy metal.
Foods with lean protein, fruits, and vegetables keep your energy up. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in hot workspaces.
What should I drink after welding?
Water is the best drink after using a cutting torch or welding torch to replace fluids you lose from sweating. Avoid energy drinks or sugary sodas, as these don’t help your body recover.
If you’ve been in a hot space for a long time, drinks with electrolytes can also help.
Does welding increase strength?
You may get stronger over time from lifting and adjusting metal, handling gas cylinders, and moving cutting torch equipment.
However, the act of welding or cutting itself doesn’t build muscle. Welder fitness comes mostly from handling tools and gear, not from the burning or oxidizing processes.
What helps with welders burn?
If you get a burn from molten metal, a hot torch tip, or from sparks, cool the area with running water. Cover it with a clean cloth. Don’t use greasy ointments like butter.
For an eye burn from oxygen-fueled welding, close your eyes and see a doctor as soon as you can. Always use gloves, sleeves, and a face shield when working with cutting torches and regulators.