Poisonous gases, fumes and sparks are created anytime metals are welded together. It doesn’t matter what type of welding equipment is used or what type of metal is being welded. The fact that welding is among the most common industrial processes means that air filtration for welding and robotic welding is an important topic.

Welding takes place at industrial sites that use it as part of the manufacturing process, but it also takes place in workplaces that don’t use it for business purposes. The extraction of welding fumes is a critical part of any welding process, because the health risks are often severe.

The length of time you are exposed to welding gases and fumes, the type of welding, the effectiveness of your safety protection and your work environment all play a role in how serious the exposure risks will be. The fact that welding gases may not have an odor and can’t be seen by the naked eye makes them particularly dangerous.Heat from the welding flame may produce gases such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. Gases and vapors may also be produced by coatings or solvents on the metal.