ArtMetal

Hi, Ries (and everyone)
In the last six months I have read multiple articles about the potential of welding processes for generating hexavalent chromium. Here is one example.
http://www.thefabricator.com/Safety/Safety_Article.cfm?ID=1633
This is quite a change from a couple of years ago, when I contacted a manufacturer of welding wire. They informed me that chromium has been found to be a nutrient, similar to selenium.
The general consensus is that all welding processes generate hexavalent chromium in excess of permissible levels of exposure. Grinding and cutting processes generate an unknown quantity. Precautions should be taken while working stainless steel as if hex-chrome were being generated.

I hope this helps.
Paul.
http://pcquicksilver.com/