Does shielding gases and alloyed electrodes affect my working environment?
When welding with MIG and TIG, the noble gases argon and helium are used as shielding gases. Neither argon nor helium is considered dangerous, but they can displace oxygen in unventilated areas, making the atmosphere oxygen deficient. When welding with MAG, carbon dioxide, or a mixture of carbon dioxide and a noble gas, are used as shielding gases. Since parts of the shielding gas can be converted into carbon monoxide when the gas reaches the air, large quantities of carbon monoxide can form around the welding arc. Carbon monoxide cannot be filtered away. If the ventilation is poor, the oxygen level must be checked. Alloyed electrodes are common when welding with MAG. The alloys often contain manganese or silicates. This means that manganese oxide and silicates are diffused into the surrounding air when you are welding. Adflo with particle filter usually offers sufficient protection against alloy particles.
