Welding Tips and Tricks

Is there any concern on breathing the smoke and fumes when welding cold rolled steel? I haven't been able to find a mask that will fit under my Lincoln helmet.

There are studies that show stick welding can be a contributing factor to Parkinson’s as the fumes are just down right not good for you.

Welding cold rolled steel with MIG or TIG may not produce a lot of contaminants in the air, but the gas itself is not beneficial to your health. If you think about the purpose of the shielding gas (to evacuate the oxygen) then if you are immersed in the plume of gas then your breathing less oxygen rich air, essentially limiting what your brain gets. It’s not a huge depreciation but it is some.

Now, I know so few welders who are diligent about masks and ventilators, it’s hard to argue to you to wear one. But I will say, if I am heads down for extended periods knocking out bench work at the TIG, I can tell that evening that my throat is raspy and I have a dull headache (which I attribute to the welding).

An extractor is a great idea as it also keeps the shop cleaner if you can’t work out a mask.

don't forget fans.
masks don't stop gases. best thing you can do is simply vent the smoke and supply fresh air.

I've used a Miller LPR-100 "half mask" respirator under a Miller Digital Performance shield. The shield stops about an inch from my chest when I close it, but I can use it. I tried it with a Lincoln 3350 and it seems about the same.

That said, I usually have a fan circulating the air around me for TIG (but not directly at me or it will blow the argon away from the work). And for stick welding, I sometimes hold my breath while I'm running a bead, and I get airflow into the shop so it doesn't get too smokey.