Thoriated TIG welding electrodes with
2 % thorium oxide (colour code red)
are currently the most widely used
electrodes worldwide. Thorium is
however a radioactive element and
as such represents a potential danger
to health and environment. Thorium
is a so-called "a-emitter," but when
enclosed in a tungsten matrix, the
"a" radiation emitted externally is
negligible. The danger to the welder
arises when thorium oxide gets into
the respiratory canals.
This problem can occur during
welding (vapours) as well as when
grinding the electrode tip (grinding
dust). In the near future, more
stringent legal regulations regarding
production, use and disposal of
thoriated electrodes are expected.
It is expected that TlG-welding
electrodes containing thorium will
disappear from the market in the
foreseeable future, especially as
an environmentally friendly and
technically better solution is already
available.
Unitor tungsten electrodes are alloyed
with Lanthanum (colour code gold)
and are sold in sturdy boxes of 10 pcs.