Posted By Gavin Barr I need help, can anyone point me in the right direction where I can find information relating to welding fume polluting the atmosphere. I have looked everywhere but can only find information on health & safety issues and nothing relating to environmental issues. My main concern is in MIG and TIG welding of stainless steel, mild steel and aluminium. I would be very greatful for more information.

Posted By Jane Blunt Paul is right. Welding fume will consist of metal and oxide particles which come from vapourisation of the thing that is being welded and the welding wire, and the shielding gases used. The particles range in size from very large to sub-micron and their composition will depend on what is being welded. So the mild steel will give you mainly iron and manganese, and the stainless steel will give you iron, chromium and nickel. The large particles settle out very quickly, but the tiny particles hang around for some time - but the total quantity is small. The shielding gases might be argon, helium or carbon dioxide, but the total quantity released is small. The other thing produced by welding aluminium and stainless steel is ozone, which is produced by the action of the ultraviolet light on the oxygen around the weld. This is quickly dispersed and decomposes back into oxygen - it does not persist long enough to become an environmental pollutant. You can get some interesting data on environmental impacts from one of the major players in the business of welding consumables. See http://www.esab.co.uk/ Jane