With the shielding gas itself, ie.CO2 or Argon/CO2, it's an asphxyiant... heavier than air, so drops to the floor & can cause death in confined, un-ventilated spaces
The actual welding fumes themselves... anything that burns gives off toxic fumes, so precaution is needed. Some materials are worse than others, in particular Galvanised... take care with that stuff... horrible!!!
You can buy disposable fume masks that do the job (save buying expensive air-fed type masks ).
weldequip
Apart from the obvious "explosive" gases like Oxy, Propane, Acet, Hydrogen etc, completely "Inert" gases like Argon can also be hazardous, especially when welding in unventilated areas. You can be overcome by the gas and "Drown". There have been a few cases where welders have died this way whilst welding inside large tanks and containers. Although this is very, very rare.
Thats gases, but there is also the welding "fume", which is the smoke cloud which comes from arc on Mig and MMA. This is very dangerous and shouldn't be inhaled if possible, depending on what material your welding some of these fumes can lead to cancer ...........why did I get into this industry again??
To be serious tho, there are undoubtedly serious potential risks involved but plenty of common sense and a little bit of knowledge and good ventilaition/extraction and you will be fine.
Hi,
The main gas produce from the arc is Ozone and as previous posters have said the main gasses are asphxiants. With regard to fume there is an occupational hazard from zinc fume fever (Like a Heavy dose of flu, and I mean really when you get it properly) as a result of welding galvanised materials. another hazard arises from the particulate carried in the fume, chromium and nickel notably in stainless steel. I stand to be corrected but if I am not mistaken chromium is or was a class 2 carcinogen and was suspected as being a source of nasal cancer. As with all applications involving fume and particulates suitable and proper PPE should be worn.
Hi,
nice to know the info helps, if you require any information on welding gases, electrodes, wires, or electrodes all you have to look or ask for is the manufacturer's Material Safety Data sheet commonly known as an MSDS. That will give you all the relevant details and the manufacturer is required by law to make this available.