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You actually want the most thorium possible because the emitted radiation is a alpha radiation, aka: a helium nucleus. That is where helium actually comes from, deep underground, not from the atmosphere like argon. Huge helium deposits underground came to existence from thorium decay over millions and millions of years. So if you have enough 2%Th tungstens, just capture all the radiation into a tank, and there's your helium supply! :lol:
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therealrobertino
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hahaha... come one... Don't make fun on me :oops: :D
I just wonder why the low radioactivity of lanthan is acceptable. Here in Italy thoriated electrodes must be used with special safety rules. why is the same with lanthanated electrodes not true?
in any case I thank u guys. You are very kind to reply me.

by the way.. did someone of you ever meet the great Jody? He did teach me so much. cool guy... Really
MarkL
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therealrobertino wrote: I wonder one thing:
I read on the package "NOT READIOACTIVE" as a sort of advertising.
But it seems that this is NOT true at this point. I mean: if there is a small amount of isotopes that emit radioactions....then it IS radioactive. Or am I wrong ???
You're not wrong, but everything gives off some level of radiation, so it's all relative. It helps to understand more about the radiation from thorium and lanthanum so you can make a health decision:

Thorium isotopes give off radiation in the form of a particle, called an alpha particle, that interacts very quickly with anything that it strikes whether it's the air or your skin. Alpha particles aren't a health risk outside your body because they deposit their energy on the dead layer of skin on your body. But they are a significant health risk once they get inside your body either by being inhaled or swallowed. The lining of your stomach, intestines and lungs are sensitive to damage from these particles. So that's why the problem with thoriated tungsten is due to grinding it or inhaling the fumes.

Lanthanum isotopes give off radiation as x-rays as opposed to particles. X-rays more or less go through your body and most other things without interacting or doing much harm at reasonable levels (like dental x-rays). The levels from lanthanum are very tiny, so it represents little risk.

If you're a weekend warrior welder I don't think any of this really matters much. But if you weld full time for 40 years and work every day in a shop where there is grinding and welding fumes, it can add up.
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Arclight Ironworks wrote:We're going the other way. Sourcing 4% Thoriated Tungsten. DGP, direct from Germany.

The increased volume of Th oxides will lower the Work Function (eV) and promote super smooth arc starting capabilities. Our goal is to boost the performance of properly profiled 1/8" RED Tungsten for thin/thin ferrous materials. Alliteration complete.

To be determined...
I like 2% thoriated, I'll be watching for the 4% to be in the regular market - thanks for the heads up :D
Dave J.

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therealrobertino
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you all are were very nice and helpful. It makes me happy to be part of an international community like this forum. Nice people...makes feel me good.
Thanks and regards from Bella italia.
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The real danger to ones health the inhalation of any form of ,dust,fumes, etc it comes in many forms.
Nearly everything encountered is a contaminate, even to air in a untouched forest,spores mold etc. The list is endless. The welding it self is fairly benign, the UV is really bad,grinding dust for weld prep,tungsten, and JOINT,as always proper protection.
Enough said about Radiation
Oscar and Minnesota Dave can probably rant far more eloquently than I ;) :)
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