This page last reviewed June 26, 2009

Welding Emissions

Emissions from stainless steel welding are a source of concern because of the potential health impacts from hexavalent chromium. ARB staff is currently determining if an air toxic control measure (ATCM) is appropriate for this source category.

In 2001 the Air Resources Board (ARB) identified hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) emissions from welding as a pollutant of concern and contracted with Dr. Dan Chang (UC Davis) to investigate and improve upon existing welding emission estimates. Sixty-six tests were performed for several different welding processes using both mild and stainless steel welding electrodes to measure both hexavalent chromium and particulate matter (total PM and PM2.5).

To learn more about this research, view the Summary Report (PDF - 259kb). To see the entire report with the data analysis, view the Research Report (PDF 259kb) (MS Word - 2,838kb) and (Data Analysis Spreadsheet (MS Excel - 335kb).

In September 2004, the ARB was awarded a $100,000 grant from U.S. EPA to conduct a pilot project to determine the benefits of installing an air pollution control device inside welding shops. The project titled "Pilot study to reduce hexavalent chromium emissions from stainless steel welding - a community health project" (RFA-OAR-PPSG-04-07) includes source testing, as well as a demonstration of the equipment for interested members of the community, industry, local government, and environmental and health advocacy groups. The project is currently being reviewed (April 2008).

Other Links:

US/EPA Welding Emission Factors (AP-42)
AQMD Welding Report (zip -700Kb)
US/EPA related activities
San Diego APCD Emission Factors
CA Department of Industrial Relations
American Welding Society
Edison Welding Institute

Welding Questions?

Air Toxics Program