Yes, you can get a form of tan from welding, but it is not a healthy, cosmetic tan; rather, it is a sign of acute radiation injury to the skin. The electric arc generates intense electromagnetic radiation, primarily ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes a rapid, damaging exposure similar to severe sunburn. This intense energy triggers a defense response in the skin, leading to immediate damage and subsequent pigmentation changes.
The Welding Arc’s Output
The high-temperature plasma created by the welding arc, which can exceed 5,000°C, releases a broad spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. This output includes ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, and infrared (IR) radiation, all of which pose risks to the body. The UV component is the most damaging to the skin and eyes, spanning the UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C ranges.
The arc is a prolific source of short-wavelength UV-C radiation, which is normally filtered out by the Earth’s atmosphere. The artificial arc produces this high-energy UV-C in abundance, along with UV-B and UV-A. Visible light gives the arc its characteristic intense bluish-white glow, which can cause temporary vision impairment. Infrared radiation is also emitted, felt as intense heat, and can cause thermal burns to unprotected skin.
Skin’s Reaction to Welding Radiation
When the skin is exposed to the welding arc, the rapid, high-intensity UV dose is fundamentally different from gradual sun exposure. A typical sun tan develops from slower exposure to UV-A and UV-B, stimulating a controlled increase in the protective pigment melanin. In contrast, the arc’s radiation, particularly the high-energy UV-C, causes immediate and severe damage to skin cells.
The resulting skin reaction is an acute burn, known as photodermatitis or “welder’s burn,” rather than a gradual tanning process. This intense exposure can cause redness, blistering, and peeling, mimicking a severe sunburn, often appearing hours after the exposure. Any subsequent darkening or pigmentation change signals trauma instead of a healthy tan. Even reflected radiation from nearby metal surfaces or walls can cause a burn as severe as direct exposure.
Immediate and Long-Term Health Consequences
The most recognized immediate consequence of unprotected exposure is an acute injury to the eyes called photokeratitis, commonly known as “arc eye” or “welder’s flash.” This condition is effectively a sunburn on the cornea, leading to intense pain, a gritty sensation, tearing, and light sensitivity. Symptoms often appear several hours after exposure. For the skin, the immediate result is a severe, first- or second-degree burn, especially on the neck, ears, and forearms.
Long-Term Risks
Cumulative exposure to the UV radiation from welding is associated with serious health risks. The intense radiation can accelerate photoaging, leading to premature wrinkling and leathery skin texture. The increased risk of skin cancers, including both melanoma and non-melanoma types, is concerning due to chronic cellular DNA damage. Long-term eye exposure can also increase the risk of developing cataracts and, in rare cases, ocular melanoma.
Essential Safety and Prevention
Protection from the welding arc’s radiation relies on a complete barrier between the source and the body. Welders must use a welding helmet equipped with a lens filter of the appropriate shade number to block the intense visible light and UV radiation. The helmet must be opaque and cover the entire face and neck to prevent radiation from reaching the skin.
For the body, all skin must be covered by flame-resistant clothing, such as leather or densely woven, flame-retardant materials, to shield against sparks, heat, and UV exposure. This includes wearing long sleeves and pants, and ensuring the collar is buttoned up to protect the throat area. In areas where reflected radiation is a concern, UV-protective welding screens or curtains can help protect bystanders and other workers.