The results of investigations of the levels of evolution, chemical composition and cytotoxicity of harmful substances evolved during welding by chromium-nickel high-alloy electrodes are presented in order to improve their sanitary-hygienic characteristics. It is shown that in order to create new grades of welding electrodes with the improved hygienic characteristics, it is necessary to possess not only the data of initial sanitary-hygienic evaluation, but also to have the results of biological investigations of WA toxicity. It was established that the application of a binder based on pure lithium or lithium-sodium potassium liquid glass in the electrodes coating instead of potassium-sodium allows reducing the level of evolution of welding aerosol into air, decreasing the content of highly-toxic hexavalent chromium in it and, therefore, its general toxicity.