More then likely from breathing grinding dust. Sometimes a face mask really does work.
Yep. Welders breathe in a lot of fumes and particles. A good mask would be a smart investment.
I breathed a lot of grinding dust, working 40 yrs in machine shops. Most of what I did all that time was grinding. I have COPD now.
My Dad was an iron worker after WWII and eventually started up his own welding shop. Mom took care of the office, and Dad ran the shop. They did quite well for themselves. Dad never had any health issues from welding, except wrecking his hearing. Mine is shot, too.
I could’ve taken over the business, but no, I had to go off and “ do my own thing”. Biggest mistake I ever made.