Abstract
Thoriated electrodes are used in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding [1]. Thorium intake may happen during grinding and welding operations using thoriated electrodes [2]. The use of thoriated tungsten electrodes may be at the origin of a potential hazard [3]. The annual commited effective dose from inhalation of 232Th, 230Th, 228Th and 228Ra is usually below 1mSv for a full-time TIG welder [4]. Electrode consumption during welding was primarily the result of tip sharpening. Indeed, less than 3% of weight loss was attributable to the welding process [5].
Highlights
Thoriated electrodes are used in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding [1]
The annual limit on intake of thorium derived from the most recent ICRP publications was exceeded by a factor of 10 [1]
The consumption of thorium was evaluated to a half kilogram during his entire career (He used TIG welding during 25 years, for a 37 years career as a welder)
Summary
Razafindranaly and Deschamps, J Clinic Toxicol 2012, S:5 DOI: 10.4172/2161-0494.S5-002 Jose Razafindranaly1 and Frederic Deschamps2* Department of Occupational Health, Institut de Medecine du Travail et de l’Environnement de Champagne-Ardenne, Faculte de Medecine, Reims, France
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