Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Blue-hazard-free Candlelight OLED
Published on: March 19, 2017
Blue-light hazard from CO2 arc welding of mild steel
1Hazard Evaluation and Epidemiology Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan, Nagao 6-21-1, Tama-Ku, Kawasaki 214-8585, Japan. okuno@h.jniosh.go.jp
Objectives:
The objective was to quantify the blue-light hazard from CO(2) arc welding of mild steel.
Methods:
The spectral radiance of arcs in CO(2) arc welding of mild steel was measured for solid and flux-cored wires at welding currents of 120-480 A. Effective blue-light radiance and the maximum acceptable exposure duration were calculated from the spectral radiance using their definitions in American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists guidelines.
Results:
The effective blue-light radiance ranged from 22.9 to 213.1 Wcm(-2)sr(-1). The corresponding maximum acceptable exposure duration was only 0.47-4.36 s, meaning that the total daily exposure to the welding arc without eye protection should not exceed this duration.
Conclusions:
It is very hazardous to view the arcs in CO(2) arc welding of mild steel. Welders and their helpers should use appropriate eye protectors in these arc-welding operations. Also, they should avoid direct light exposure when starting an arc-welding operation.
Related Concept Videos
Corrosion of Reinforcement
However, over time and under certain conditions like carbonation, chloride ingress, and cracking this protective state can be compromised. Steel has areas with...
Steel Manufacturing
During this smelting process, limestone plays a crucial role by forming slag. Slag captures impurities within the molten iron, such...
Corrosion
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...
Survey Safety
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference

