Gas-shielded welding and argon arc welding are two common welding methods, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scopes. However, the harm these welding methods can pose to the human body should not be overlooked, especially for those who work with welding over long periods. It is important to take protective measures to safeguard one’s health. So, which of these two welding methods poses a greater risk to the body? Let’s compare.
I. Definitions and Differences between Gas Shielded Welding and Argon Arc Welding
Gas-shielded welding refers to a welding method that uses carbon dioxide or argon as a shielding gas, using welding wire instead of rods. It is mainly applied in welding aluminum and its alloys, copper and its alloys, magnesium and its alloys, titanium and its alloys, high-temperature alloys, etc., and is widely used in many important industrial sectors.
Argon arc welding refers to a welding technique that uses argon as a shielding gas, with a non-melting tungsten electrode and filler metal. It is primarily used in nuclear energy, aerospace, shipbuilding, electronics, metallurgy, and other industries.
The differences between gas-shielded welding and argon arc welding include:
Gas shielded welding is melting electrode welding, while argon arc welding is non-melting electrode welding.
Gas shielded welding has a higher heat input suitable for thick plate welding; argon arc welding has a lower heat input suitable for thin plate welding.
Gas shielded welding is more efficient but produces more spatter; argon arc welding is less efficient but produces less spatter.
Gas shielded welding can weld fewer materials, mainly carbon steel and low alloy steel; argon arc welding can weld more materials, including some non-ferrous metals.
II. Harm of Gas Shielded Welding and Argon Arc Welding to the Human Body
Both gas-shielded welding and argon arc welding produce harmful factors to the human body such as electric arcs, ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, ozone, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, metal fumes, etc. These factors can cause damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory tract, nervous system, etc.
Compared to gas-shielded welding, long-term operation of argon arc welding poses greater harm due to:
The ultraviolet radiation produced by the argon arc is about 5 to 30 times that of ordinary arc welding. When welding in confined spaces, the concentration of ozone can increase to dangerous levels. During the welding process, harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are also produced. These factors can lead to eye redness, itching, inflammation, corneal damage; skin burns, pigmentation, skin cancer; throat irritation, coughing, asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, lung cancer; headaches, insomnia, neurasthenia, and memory decline.
The tungsten electrode (thoriated tungsten electrode) used in argon arc welding is radioactive. Thorium is a radioactive element but the radiation dose from thoriated tungsten electrodes during argon arc welding is very small and within permissible limits; however, if radioactive gases or particles enter the body as an internal radiation source it can severely affect health leading to leukemia, myelofibrosis, liver cirrhosis, etc.
When using high-frequency ignition in argon arc welding, the intensity of the generated high-frequency electromagnetic field ranges from 60~110V/m, exceeding the reference health standard (20V/m) several times. However, since it’s for a short duration, it doesn’t significantly affect the human body. If high-frequency ignition occurs frequently, or if a high-frequency oscillator is used as a stabilizing device during continuous use in the welding process, then the high-frequency electromagnetic field can become one of the harmful factors, affecting the human heart blood endocrine systems, etc.
III. Protective Measures for Gas Shielded Welding and Argon Arc Welding
To reduce harm from gas-shielded and argon arc welding, some protective measures should be taken:
Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment such as protective glasses, gloves, masks, hats, aprons, etc. to avoid direct exposure to electric arcs and ultraviolet rays.
Install good ventilation equipment at the welding site to exhaust harmful gases and fumes keeping the air fresh.
Use low-radioactivity cerium tungsten electrodes instead of thoriated tungsten electrodes to reduce radioactive contamination.
Appropriately reduce the frequency and duration of high-frequency ignition to lessen the impact of high-frequency electromagnetic fields.
Regularly undergo physical examinations to detect and treat related diseases promptly.
IV. Conclusion
Gas-shielded welding and argon arc welding are two common methods, each with its advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scopes. However, their harm should not be ignored especially for those engaged in long-term work should take protective measures for their health.
By comparison, the long-term operation of argon arc welding is more hazardous. The reasons include:
The ultraviolet radiation produced by the arc in argon arc welding is about 5 to 30 times that of ordinary arc welding. When welding in a confined space, the concentration of ozone can increase to dangerous levels. During the welding process, harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are also produced.
The tungsten electrode (thoriated tungsten electrode) used in argon arc welding is radioactive. If radioactive gases or particles enter the body as an internal radiation source, it can seriously affect health.
When argon arc welding uses high-frequency arc initiation, the intensity of the generated high-frequency electromagnetic field is between 60 and 110 V/m, which is several times higher than the reference health standard (20 V/m). However, since the duration is very short, it has little impact on the human body. If arc initiation occurs frequently, or if the high-frequency oscillator is used as an arc stabilization device during welding, then the high-frequency electromagnetic field can become one of the harmful factors affecting the human body’s heart, blood, endocrine, and other systems.
Therefore, when choosing gas-shielded welding or argon arc welding, one should comprehensively consider their actual needs and conditions and strictly adhere to safety specifications and operating procedures. It is important to take personal protective measures to avoid unnecessary harm.
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