Welding Galvanized Metal And Milk. Some welders recommend drinking a glass of milk or taking a calcium supplement before welding galvanized steel. The milk helps alleviate the discomfort but does not eliminate the toxic effects.
If youre unable to weld outside try to work in a room with adequate ventilation. Get a respirator that is specifically designed for welding metal. The milk theory is that when a welder is exposed to zinc fumes produced by welding galvanized steel the calcium in the milk supposedly helps prevent the bodys absorption of the zinc.
The fumes released when welding cutting or brazing galvanized steel can cause a condition known as Metal Fume Fever.
This does work to some degree but its obviously not a cure for severe exposure to zinc fumes. Always rely on a respirator or working in a well ventilated area in the best case scenario both. Prepping the Galvanized Steel. I then have had various instances of the recurring problem.