ArtMetal

I have a lot of interest in this very subject, although the majority of the rods I have burned have been mild steel. I have worked with the alloys and other materials as well. I would recommend checking out what osha has to say about mild steel welding fumes at this link:

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/weldingfumes/recognition.html

I'm not trying to start a growling contest or anything, but I also wouldn't term mild steel welding fumes as non-toxic. I use MIG, TIG and sticks as well as oxy-acetylene for cutting, welding and brazing. I have never noticed any effect when oxy-acetylene welding as you find in brazing. I am actually afraid to find out what the fumes coming from low hydrogen and 5P electrodes may have done to me over the years. I will not go into graphic detail, but just blowing your nose will scare you. My advice to anyone is avoid breathing them as much as possible.

I do know a lot of old welders with health problems and 7018 and 6010 were their primary electrodes.

Just my humble opinion based on 30 years of observation.