NIOSH describes magnesium oxide fume as finely divided particulate dispersed in air and identifies exposure during burning, thermal cutting, or welding; NIOSH guidance associates magnesium oxide exposure with metal fume fever, eye/nose irritation, and possible chronic respiratory disease.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: NIOSH Pocket Guide — Magnesium oxide fume ↗Dust entry
Magnesium oxide fume
Finely divided magnesium oxide particulate generated when magnesium is burned, thermally cut, or welded.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
eye irritationnose irritationmetal-fume-fever riskchronic respiratory disease risk
Evidence
Controls
- local exhaust ventilation
- welding fume capture
- process enclosure
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection