Welding - Metal fume fever

[NC_Steve]

I have been researching the safety of welding galvanized steel and all formal references I have found state that the effects of metal fume fever only last a few days, however I have also found informal references (forums) that state you will carry the zinc oxide and other metals from welding around in your body/lungs for the rest of your life. So I am wondering do the formal references have an agenda or is welding safe with no long term health affects?