The EPA National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Rule 6x went into effect on July 25, 2011. This rule encompasses all manufacturing processes using materials that contain 0.1 percent by weight cadmium, chromium, lead or nickel, or 1.0 percent by weight manganese. Manganese is the material of widest concern to the welding industry, as it is virtually a universal component of welding wire. At the time of this writing, many companies remain unaware of the deadline and the rule itself. NESHAP Rule 6x is highly applicable to welding shops, it is in force now, and everyone engaged in welding needs to be knowledgeable about the required actions.