The results of investigations of chemical composition and emission rates of the welding fume, generated during welding using electrodes for copper alloys, are presented with the aim of improvement of their sanitary and hygienic characteristics. It is shown that in order to create new grades of welding electrodes with improved hygienic characteristics, it is necessary to have the data of the initial sanitary and hygienic evaluation in accordance with international standards. It was established that the use of binder based on pure lithium liquid glass in the coating of electrodes for welding copper alloys, increases the rate of welding fume emission into the air, as well as the content of manganese and copper oxides in it. The minimum rates of harmful emissions were recorded during the use of sodium-potassium binder, which is recommended for mass production of this type of electrodes.