Up Links
Program Links
- Air Quality Data
- Air Toxics Activities
- Background
- Fact Sheets / FAQs
- HARP Software
- Regulations - ATCMs
- Test Methods
Resources
Welding Emissions
This page last reviewed May 19, 2011
Emissions from stainless steel welding are a source of concern because of the
potential health impacts from hexavalent chromium. 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).
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?
