THORIATED TUNGSTEN WARNING

Thorium is a radioactive alloy used in tungsten electrodes to assist in arc starting. Although companies involved in welding have been using thoriated electrodes for many years, the industry is becoming more mindful of their potential health hazards. The following are notes, warnings, and recommendations form various organizations on the use of thoriated tungsten welding electrodes

American Welding Society: "Thorium is radioactive and may present hazardous by external and internal exposure. If alternatives are technically feasible, they should be used.""...if welding is to be performed in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time or if electrode grinding dust might be ingested, special precautions relative to ventilation should be considered. The user should consult appropriate safety personnel."

Standard Manufacturer's Warning: "Thorium dioxide is a naturally occurring radioactive element. It is an alpha emitter and, as such, its primary hazard lie in inhalation of dust/fumes." "Thorium dioxide has been identified as a carcinogen by the NTP and IARC." (These quotes are from Osram Sylvania MSDS sheets).

The Welding Institute: Thorium is a radioactive element. The HSWE has recommended to factory inspectors that, where thoriated tungsten electrodes are not necessary, users should be encouraged to look for alternatives.

Cancer Assessment: the National Toxicology Program and International Agency have identified Thorium dioxide as a carcinogen for Research on Cancer.

TTS Offers Alternatives To Hazardous Thoriated Tungsten

For decades, welders have used 2% Thoriated tungsten in GTAW welding applications. However, recent studies have proven that Thorium itself is a hazardous material – a naturally occurring radioactive element further identified as a carcinogen, or "cancer causing"

In fact, according to the American Welding Society, "Thorium is radioactive and may present hazardous by external and internal exposure. If alternatives are technically feasible, they should be used."

 TTS offers non-radioactive high performance 2% Ceriated tungstens for orbital welding applications are in stock, ready to be shipped, and affordably priced. In most welding applications, these types of tungsten outperform Thorium with longer tungsten life, better arc starting, and, in some cases, higher amperage capacity.