Please don't make statements that you can't personally defend in public forums. Both these statements are blatently untrue:
"cancer is a given with stoody/hard surfacing rods."
(Can you provide a reputable source for this statement? Cancer is NOT a "given" with these rods if the welder follows simple guidelines)
"i am sure there is worse but the fumes are amongst the most toxic in the industry."
(Again - a reputable source for this data? I can tell you with certainly that the fumes are not "toxic" if the guidelines are followed. ALL welding fumes are dangerous and need to be treated as such.)
As always, a welder should use appropriate personal protective equipment and ventilation.
Read the MSDS and understand the dangers.
http://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads/DocLib_888_P6_L.pdfAs far as weldability, you don't list the diameter, but the amps are listed here:
http://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads/Literature/lit_389_Wce003.pdfTry running it on the lower end of the listed range and work your way up - this will maximize the carbide retention and improve wear life. Remember that this is a graphitic-coated vanadium carbide rod. It is NOT going to weld like joining rods, nor sound like them.
If you have more questions, post them here and let's see if we can help!