I have been welding for 36 years professionally and that is about the dumbest thing that I have heard coming from an osha person. Anything in excess quantity can cause cancer (about as dumb as the osha statement). You can get an adflo air hood and it makes it much safer. The thing about welding is you don't put your head in the smoke (fumes). When it is impossible to stay out of the fumes you wear protection like a respirator or an air hood. There are guys out there that have been welding stainless for 40 to 50 years and have not gotten cancer, and there are guys out there that have welded for less than 5 years and have gotten it. It is really up to your body chemistry/dna of whether you will get cancer or not. What is your family history as far as cancer goes? Do you smoke? There are a number of factors that relate to whether you get it or not. I love welding it is relaxing to me I started when I was 15 and can't stop. I even dream welding! My point is, If you protect yourself you will be safe and there are many products out there that are for your protection. It is up to you to protect yourself but if you are lucky enough to get into a company that cares and will provide the protection you will be safe. Always know what you are welding before you weld it! The most dangerous thing I have come across is not the material I am welding but what it was cleaned with and or what it was coated with. Good luck.