Welding Galvanized Steel Drinking Milk. The process threw up fine whispy airborne threads of white zinc oxide which you couldnt help but inhale. He also said that welding shops and schools generally have milk on hand just for this purpose.
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 process threw up fine whispy airborne threads of white zinc oxide which you couldnt help but inhale. There have been studies performed by the Centers for Disease Control CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA on the long-term effects of welding galvanized steel 1.
The galvanization process is usually performed by hot-dipping.
Over the years Ive heard a lot of guys say just drink some milk. According to Welders Source the idea is that milk will rid the body of toxins when welding galvanized steel thus prevents them from getting sick Some people even believe that holding milk in their mouth while welding will filter these toxic fumes. The thought is that milk helps the body rid of toxins encountered when welding galvanized steel and thus prevents them from getting sick. Milk may even promote poisoning.