burning tungsten

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Metlicka Marc by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-uswest-dot-net>" <mystuffs-at-orwell-dot-net>

all,
i have been working on a triggered spark gap and i am using some very
fine tungsten wire for the trigger electrode. the fine wire is burning
and leaving a yellowish white powder on the carbide points of the main
gap.
my question is what exactly could this powder be? first thought would be
tungsten oxide but i'm not sure, and will it kill me?
thought i would ask before i grow a third ear or something.
thank you,
marc m.