Is the smoke toxic?

admin

I am just curious,  is the smoke generated from welding toxic? I've been using flux wire on my Hobart for 3.5 years now. I only weld a little here and there. Is the smoke toxic and dangerous over a period of time? I'm not trying to breath it in, but it's unavoidable just by it's nature to have inhaled some from the surrounding air. Thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by Home WoodI am just curious,  is the smoke generated from welding toxic? I've been using flux wire on my Hobart for 3.5 years now. I only weld a little here and there. Is the smoke toxic and dangerous over a period of time? I'm not trying to breath it in, but it's unavoidable just by it's nature to have inhaled some from the surrounding air. Thanks
Reply:This is not on the box for nothing.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I think that it is.  You definitely don't want to be inhaling plating fumes, zinc- galv.  Best to use a fan to draw off the fumes when possible (indoors) or work upwind if possible (outdoors).  Either way, it's hard to avoid them altogether.  They sell some nice respirators that help.http://www.coopersafety.com/departme...spirators.aspxHobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:Ok thanks. I don't weld but maybe a little bit every now and then. Sometimes the smoke will drift into my face. I hold my breath when that happens, but still....  I use flux because I mostly weld outside and it does what I need it to do.
Reply:You should be able to access the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the type of filler you are using from the Miller or Lincoln websites.  They most likely will state that welding fumes are a respirable health hazard that requires controls - a qualified respirator, supplied air mask/hood, or forced air ventilation that removes fumes from the welder's breathing zone.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160