how dangerous are flux cored welding fumes

[welding it great :)]

is flux core welding fume realy dangerous I usully use a mask with gas filters and dust filters but I didn't today and breathed in a bit of fume I tried to keep a distance thougth ehen I started welding I used to brath in tons of this stuff and not even think of it

 

[TechnicAl]

Do you mean gasless or gas shielded?
Gasless are toxic (as are all welding fumes) but they can be extracted at source because they dont really "shield" the weld metal. The metallurgy is such that it absorbs the atmosphere without becoming brittle or porous.
Gas Shielded does provide a gas shield and if removed the weld will be brittle and porous. They are probably less toxic than gasless but its all academic as one will kill you a bit quicker than the other

In a nutshell all welding fume is toxic. Its like smoking low tar or capstan full strength...........they are both lethal but one is slightly more lethat (to some people) than the other.

Sensible move is to avoid

 

[welding it great :)]

hmm ive probably taken a few years off my life then using gasless ill be even more carefull in the future anyone think a breathing mask will make a difference

 

[Rocketman]

You need a mask with carbon, I think P2 carbon is the minimum you are supposed to use. Personally I use disposable ones as they fit under the welding mask and don't make you sweet too bad.

 

[Rig Pig]

It's scary when you look at the muck that a mask catches after a days welding and think of all the days that I didn't wear one! I'm not a welder but I used to do quite a bit of stick as an apprentice way back when.

 

[Kent]

It's scary when you look at the muck that a mask catches after a days welding and think of all the days that I didn't wear one! I'm not a welder but I used to do quite a bit of stick as an apprentice way back when.

Oh, yeah the muck you mask catches teaches you about their value. I never saw anyone wear one when I trained in the 80s but I myself had / have issues and I know of some far worse

 

[TechnicAl]

A mask is only stopping particulate. Some of the toxic fumes are gaseous.

TIG is about the cleanest but it produces Ozone which is not very nice

The "acceptable" levels have reduced over the years and one day the H&S will be full BA kit. The levels are set by a committee and there are some who have a vested interest in maintaining a "reasonable" level.

Just look how many chemicals (that we played with) are banned or restricted these days. How many of us messed with asbestos, mercury, carbon tet, genklene, amyl acetate (pear drops), etc etc.

 

[Rig Pig]

The good old days - black snot when you blow your nose!

 

[Rocketman]

A mask is only stopping particulate. Some of the toxic fumes are gaseous.

TIG is about the cleanest but it produces Ozone which is not very nice

The "acceptable" levels have reduced over the years and one day the H&S will be full BA kit. The levels are set by a committee and there are some who have a vested interest in maintaining a "reasonable" level.

Just look how many chemicals (that we played with) are banned or restricted these days. How many of us messed with asbestos, mercury, carbon tet, genklene, amyl acetate (pear drops), etc etc.

That is why you need a carbon mask. All welding level mask have carbon. Like I said I think the minimum level of protection is P2 carbon.

 

[fixerupper]

[QUOTE="Rocketman, post: 623840, member: 22651" they fit under the welding mask and don't make you sweet too bad.[/QUOTE]


Take more than a mask to make me sweet ......jeff

 

[TechnicAl]

That is why you need a carbon mask. All welding level mask have carbon. Like I said I think the minimum level of protection is P2 carbon.

Im not sure if the Carbon Filter is acceptable at all
http://www.hse.gov.uk/welding/fume-extraction-rpe.htm

This doesnt mention Carbon Filters at all......as far as I can see

This is in the workplace not doing a bit in the shed

 

[Rocketman]

Im not sure if the Carbon Filter is acceptable at all
http://www.hse.gov.uk/welding/fume-extraction-rpe.htm

This doesnt mention Carbon Filters at all......as far as I can see

This is in the workplace not doing a bit in the shed

Here is a typical FFP2 carbon disposable.

http://solutions.3m.co.uk/wps/porta...369UJT2UU4000000_nid=Z7644V277TbeMTNRDLJB1Lgl


As you see they conform to certain standards and must have the the carbon content filtration media. All of these types of mask which meet the standards and have carbon are classed suitable for welding fumes. Simply putting a search for FFP2 carbon welding brings up many different offerings.

How I understand it they have limitations on exposure, so very high levels of gasses maybe from welding in a confined area with low air circulation you would require a higher level of protection. In a workplace the H&S would have to do a assessment to the suitability.

Though as I did say they are the minimum level.