Argon

Argon (Ar) is a noble gas that comprises 0.93 percent of the earth's atmosphere. (Noble gases are a group of rare gases that include argon, helium, krypton, neon, xenon and sometimes radon. They exhibit great stability and extremely low reaction rates. Also called inert gases.)

Colorless, odorless, tasteless and nontoxic, Argon forms no known chemical compounds. A specific gravity of 1.38 makes argon 25 percent heavier than air making argon an asphyxiation danger in low or confined areas.

Argon is used primarily for applications such as arc welding, analytic equipment, steel making, heat-treating and electronics manufacturing.