The development of shielding gases for welding applications has been of increasing interest for two main reasons: to improve the productivity and the operating characteristics of the process and to reduce the healthy and safety problems due to fume and particle emissions.The present paper outlines some of the most important features of seven shielding gas mixtures used and gives information about the influence of these mixtures on the process characteristics, namely on the metal transfer modes and fume emissions.The focus of this work is an experimental study of shielding gases aimed at analysing arc stability and transfer modes, as well as, fume formation, having in view the achievement of a better working environment for welders.