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Health Effects of Welding
Abstract
Many of the epidemiology studies performed are difficult to compare because of differences in worker populations, industrial settings, welding techniques, duration of exposure, and other occupational exposures besides welding fumes. Some studies were conducted in carefully controlled work environments, others during actual workplace conditions, and some in laboratories. Epidemiology studies have shown that a large number of welders experience some type of respiratory illness. Respiratory effects seen in full-time welders have included bronchitis, airway irritation, lung function changes, and a possible increase in the incidence of lung cancer. Pulmonary infections are increased in terms of severity, duration, and frequency among welders. Although epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increase in pulmonary illness after exposure to welding fumes, little information of the causality, dose-response, and possible underlying mechanisms regarding the inhalation of welding fumes exists. Even less information is available about the neurological, reproductive, and dermal effects after welding fume exposure. Moreover, carcinogenicity and short-term and long-term toxicology studies of welding fumes in animals are lacing or incomplete. Therefore, an understanding of possible adverse health effects of exposure to welding fumes is essential to risk assessment and the development of prevention strategies and will impact a large population of workers.
... Studies have reported various adverse health effects on workers exposed to HMs in welding fumes, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, siderosis, asthma, metal fume fever, and cardiovascular disease (Coggon et al. 1994;Beach et al. 1996;Antonini 2003;Mocevic et al. 2015). Metal constituents of welding fumes pose potential hazards depending on their inherent toxicity. ...
... Welding fume refers to the solid metal suspended in air that forms when vaporized metal condenses into very small particulates. So the major components of the fume are oxides of metals used in the manufacture of the consumable electrode wire fed into the weld (Antonini 2003). The mean of the concentrations for welding fume and HMs are shown in Table 2. ...
... The commonly presence of Mn in welding fume is probably due to a widely use of Mn as a flux agent and as an alloying element in electrodes. And some special steels containing a high content of Mn may produce a high concentration of Mn oxide in welding fume (Antonini 2003). Comparison of HM concentrations in the air of welding and non-welding workshops has been previously described as shown in Table 7. Li et al. (2004) determined airborne Mn levels in the breathing zones of welders from a vehicle manufacturer and controls from a nearby food factory with no history of occupational exposure to Mn and other metals. ...
Occupational exposure to contaminants created by electronic manufacturing process is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to carry out risk assessments of exposure to welding fume and airborne heavy metals (HMs) in electronic manufacturing workshops. Seventy-six air samples were collected from five sites in Hangzhou, China. In welding workshops, the most abundant contaminant found was welding fume, followed by Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Cr. The concentration of Mn was positively correlated with Fe (r = 0.906). When compared with non-welding workshops, the Fe content in the air of welding workshops increased significantly (P < 0.05), while the Cu content decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Singapore semi-quantitative health risk assessment model and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) inhalation risk assessment model were applied to assess the occupational exposure. In welding workshops, the levels of 8-h time weighted average (8 h-TWA) calculated for welding fume (range 0.288 ~ 6.281 mg/m3), Mn (range Nd ~ 0.829 mg/m3), and Fe (range 0.027 ~ 2.234 mg/m3) partly exceeded the permissible limits. While, in non-welding workshops, the average of 8 h-TWA for Cu (0.411 mg/m3) was higher than the limit. The risk rates (RR) assessed for Pb (2.4 vs 1.7), Mn (2.0 vs 1.4), and Fe (1.4 vs 1.0) were higher in welding workshops than that in non-welding workshops, but Cu (1.0 vs 2.2) were lower. The mean excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) in welding (5.59E - 06 per 1000 people) and non-welding (1.88E - 06 per 1000 people) workshops were acceptable. The mean non-cancer risk (HQ) estimated for Mn was greater than 10 in both welding (HQ = 164) and non-welding (HQ = 11.1) workshops. These results indicate that there was a risk of occupational exposure implication in the electronic manufacturing workshops. Reducing contaminant exposure through engineering controls and management strategies, such as efficient ventilation and reducing exposure hours, is thus suggested.
... However, exposure may cause short-term or long-term health effects. (12,13) Short-term effects include irritation of the eyes, nose, chest, and respiratory tract, which can manifest as cough, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, bronchitis, pulmonary oedema, and metal fume fever, which are a result of exposure to metal fumes like zinc, magnesium, copper, and copper oxide whereas the long-term effects include cancer of the lungs and urinary tract, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and reduced lung function (12,13). Studies in the past have shown a small decline in pulmonary function among welders (14,15). ...
... However, exposure may cause short-term or long-term health effects. (12,13) Short-term effects include irritation of the eyes, nose, chest, and respiratory tract, which can manifest as cough, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, bronchitis, pulmonary oedema, and metal fume fever, which are a result of exposure to metal fumes like zinc, magnesium, copper, and copper oxide whereas the long-term effects include cancer of the lungs and urinary tract, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and reduced lung function (12,13). Studies in the past have shown a small decline in pulmonary function among welders (14,15). ...
... This is similar to a study done among welders in Lodz, Poland that reported that manganese and chromium exceeded the threshold limit values (24). Exposure of welders to these high levels of fumes may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, increasing the risk of lung cancer and metal fume fevers (12). The high level of welding fumes in this study is consistent with the findings of other studies (25)(26)(27)(28). ...
BACKGROUND: Few studies have been conducted on the
respiratory morbidities of welders in Nigeria, and further
research is needed to determine the extent of fume exposure
and the implicated metals at workplaces. This study was
done to determine whether welding gases are associated
with respiratory illness among welders in Ikenne Local
Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study comparing 142 welders
and 142 controls was carried out. Lung function testing and
clinical assessments were done. The Chi-square test & the
independent T-tests were used to test for the association
between socio-demographic characteristics and respiratory
symptoms & the association between differences in means of
lung function parameters among welders and controls
respectively.
RESULTS: Chromium, nickel, manganese, carbon monoxide,
and nitrogen dioxide levels were higher than the recommended
values. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was
significantly lower in welders (2.62±0.7) than in controls
(2.81±0.7) (t=2.148, p<0.05). FEV1/FVC was significantly lower
among welders (75±13.7) compared to controls (80.7±8.0).
(t=4.165, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The study showed that the welders presented
with more respiratory morbidities than the controls, this may
be a result of exposure to high levels of welding fumes
beyond the recommended values for prolonged periods
without using personal protective equipment, which results
in significant morbidities. There should be enforcement of basic
workplace safety standards by ensuring that the use of personal
protective equipment (PPE) is enforced and the construction of
workshops that are well-ventilated through the welders’
association and relevant law enforcement agencies.
... In numerous studies, PM 2.5 concentrations of 1000 µg/m 3 (as detected in this analysis) and even greater have been documented [60][61][62]. Welding usually releases PM 2.5 as hot vaporized metal from the welding activity cools and condenses, producing small solid metal particles [63]. These vaporized particles oxidize upon contact with oxygen in the air, rendering metal oxides as the main constituents of welding fumes [63]. ...
... Welding usually releases PM 2.5 as hot vaporized metal from the welding activity cools and condenses, producing small solid metal particles [63]. These vaporized particles oxidize upon contact with oxygen in the air, rendering metal oxides as the main constituents of welding fumes [63]. ...
... Similarly, a nine-year study of welders by Haluza et al. (2014) demonstrated a statistically significant association between the duration of occupational exposure to welding fumes and decreased pulmonary function [65]. In general, a wide amount of epidemiology research has shown welders to experience at least some form of respiratory illness, such as airway irritation, bronchitis, lung function alteration, and possibly lung cancer [63]. ...
PM2.5 is an air contaminant that has been widely associated with adverse respiratory and cardiovascular health, leading to increased hospital admissions and mortality. Following concerns reported by workers at an industrial facility located in Santa Ana, California, workers and community leaders collaborated with experts in the development of an air monitoring pilot study to measure PM2.5 concentrations to which employees and local residents are exposed during factory operating hours. To detect PM2.5, participants wore government-validated AtmoTube Pro personal air monitoring devices during three separate workdays (5 AM–1:30 PM) in August 2021. Results demonstrated a mean PM2.5 level inside the facility of 112.3 µg/m3, nearly seven-times greater than outdoors (17.3 µg/m3). Of the eight workers who wore personal indoor sampling devices, five showed measurements over 100 μg/m3. Welding-related activity inside the facility resulted in the greatest PM2.5 concentrations. This study demonstrates the utility of using low-cost air quality sensors combined with employee knowledge and participation for the investigation of workplace air pollution exposure as well as facilitation of greater health-related awareness, education, and empowerment among workers and community members. Results also underscore the need for basic measures of indoor air pollution control paired with ongoing air monitoring within the Santa Ana facility, and the importance of future air monitoring studies aimed at industrial facilities.
... Worldwide, it is estimated that 11 million workers have the job title of welder, and around 110 million more have job tasks with potential welding-related exposure (Antonini 2003). Welders are exposed to toxic gases and aerosols, which can cause bronchiolitis, bronchitis, airway irritation, pneumonitis (Antonini 2003) and asthma (Storaas et al. 2015). ...
... Worldwide, it is estimated that 11 million workers have the job title of welder, and around 110 million more have job tasks with potential welding-related exposure (Antonini 2003). Welders are exposed to toxic gases and aerosols, which can cause bronchiolitis, bronchitis, airway irritation, pneumonitis (Antonini 2003) and asthma (Storaas et al. 2015). Most welding materials are alloy mixtures of metals, and of these, chromium, nickel and manganese are of particular interest from a toxicological point of view. ...
... The characteristics of welding fumes are complex and depend on several factors such as base materials and surface coating, the welding process, the filler material, fluxes, shield gas composition, spray type and voltage/current applied (see (Antonini 2003) for a review). Finally, the dose delivered to the welder is dependent on the technique and skill of the welder, workload, surrounding welding activities, degree of enclosure, general and local ventilation and the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) (Persoons et al. 2014;Pesch et al. 2012;Weiss et al. 2013). ...
Purpose
Air monitoring has been the accepted exposure assessment of toxic metals from, e.g., welding, but a method characterizing the actual dose delivered to the lungs would be preferable. Sampling of particles in exhaled breath can be used for the biomonitoring of both endogenous biomarkers and markers of exposure. We have explored a new method for the sampling of metals in exhaled breath from the small airways in a study on welders.
Methods
Our method for particle sampling, Particles in Exhaled Air (PExA®), is based on particle counting and inertial impaction. We applied it on 19 stainless steel welders before and after a workday. In parallel, air monitoring of chromium, manganese and nickel was performed as well as blood sampling after work.
Results
Despite substantial exposure to welding fumes, we were unable to show any significant change in the metal content of exhaled particles after, compared with before, exposure. However, the significance might be obscured by a substantial analytical background noise, due to metal background in the sampling media and possible contamination during sampling, as an increase in the median metal contents were indicated.
Conclusions
If efforts to reduce background and contamination are successful, the PExA® method could be an important tool in the investigations of metals in exhaled breath, as the method collects particles from the small airways in contrast to other methods. In this paper, we discuss the discrepancy between our findings and results from studies, using the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) methodology.
... Welding and other types of metal processing generate numerous hazardous byproducts, such as fume components, radiant energy, heat, noise, and vibration (Antonini 2003), that can cause health problems for metal workers. One of the main components of air pollution in metal workshops is particulate matter, a mixture of particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. ...
... This forms fine and ultrafine particles that typically have a spherical shape (Berlinger et al. 2011;Oprya et al. 2012). These fine particles can easily enter the human respiratory tract and can cause adverse health effects, especially if they contain toxic components (Antonini 2003;Antonini et al. 2004;Pope III and Dockery 2006). Their toxicity depends on many factors, including not only age, sex, genetics, and nutritional and health status of the exposed individuals, but also on the dose, route of exposure, chronicity of exposure, and chemical compounds (Valko et al. 2005;Roth 2006;Wu et al. 2016;Lu et al. 2017;Ye et al. 2017;Pfalzer and Bowman 2017;Li et al. 2017). ...
Welding and cutting of metals produce large amounts of particulate matter (PM), which poses a significant health risk to exposed workers. Appropriate biological markers to estimate exposure are of great interest for occupational health and safety. Here, hair and nail samples from metal workers were analyzed, which appear to be more suitable than blood or urine samples for assessing long-term exposure. Four workshops working with steel components were included in the study. The hair and nail samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure the concentrations of 12 elements. At the workplaces, the concentrations of 15 elements in particulate matter were determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) techniques. The hair and nail samples of the workers contained significantly higher metal concentrations than the analytical results of a nonexposed control group. The most significant difference between the groups was found for Ti, Mn, Fe, and Co.
... used in the current study. These differences were due to different metal profiles of the consumable wires used in either the welding or thermal spray coating processes as the composition of the generated particles have been shown to come primarily from the consumption of the metal wire (Antonini 2003). Importantly, the most toxic metals (e.g., Cr, Ni, Mn) were elevated in the welding fume samples compared to the thermal spray coating samples. ...
... The welding fumes were chosen as controls as they are metal rich incidental particulate that have similar morphology (chain like aggregates) similar to thermal spray coating particulate. The toxicity profile of the welding fumes is well characterized, and the molecular mechanisms of toxicity induced by these welding fumes has been extensively investigated (Antonini 2003;Antonini 2014;Kodali et al. 2020;Leonard et al. 2010;McCarrick et al. 2019;McNeilly et al. 2005;Shoeb et al. 2017;Zeidler-Erdely et al. 2010). NF-kB/AP-1 pathway activation and regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation have been shown to be the leading mechanisms of toxicity for welding fumes and other metal rich particulate (Graczyk et al. 2016;Kodali and Thrall 2015;Lodovici and Bigagli 2011;McNeilly et al. 2005;Riccelli et al. 2020). ...
Thermal spray coating is an industrial process in which molten metal is sprayed at high velocity onto a surface as a protective coating. An automated electric arc wire thermal spray coating aerosol generator and inhalation exposure system was developed to simulate an occupational exposure and, using this system, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to stainless steel PMET720 aerosols at 25 mg/m 3 × 4 h/day × 9 day. Lung injury, inflammation, and cytokine alteration were determined. Resolution was assessed by evaluating these parameters at 1, 7, 14 and 28 d after exposure. The aerosols generated were also collected and characterized. Macrophages were exposed in vitro over a wide dose range (0-200 µg/ml) to determine cytotoxicity and to screen for known mechanisms of toxicity. Welding fumes were used as comparative particulate controls. In vivo lung damage, inflammation and alteration in cytokines were observed 1 day post exposure and this response resolved by day 7. Alveolar macrophages retained the particulates even after 28 day post-exposure. In line with the pulmonary toxicity findings, in vitro cytotoxicity and membrane damage in macrophages were observed only at the higher doses. Electron paramagnetic resonance showed in an acellular environment the particulate generated free radicals and a dose-dependent increase in intracellular oxidative stress and NF-kB/AP-1 activity was observed. PMET720 particles were internalized via clathrin and caveolar mediated endocytosis as well as actin-dependent pinocytosis/phagocytosis. The results suggest that compared to stainless steel welding fumes, the PMET 720 aerosols were not as overtly toxic, and the animals recovered from the acute pulmonary injury by 7 days.
... In the long run, it may increase the risk for pulmonary diseases, e.g. COPD, occupational asthma, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis, and for systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases [2][3][4][5]. ...
... This adds up to the increased risk for the abovementioned airway diseases. For example, the severity, duration, and frequency of respiratory infections are increased among welders [2]. Alveolar macrophages play a significant role in lung inflammation due to their essential role in the defense against pollutants and pathogenic microbes. ...
Background
Short-term inhalation of occupationally relevant ultrafine zinc/copper (Zn/Cu) containing welding fumes has been shown to induce subclinical systemic inflammation, associated with an elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases. The involvement of noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this setting is currently unknown. However, lncRNAs have been reported to fulfill essential roles in, e.g., cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, infectious diseases, and pollution-related lung disorders.
Methods
In this study, the specific lncRNAs levels of the 4 lncRNAs CoroMarker, MALAT1, CDR1as and LINC00460 were determined by RT-qPCR in THP-1 macrophages exposed to Zn/Cu metal fume suspensions for 1, 2, and 4 hours in vitro. Furthermore, 14 subjects were exposed to Zn/Cu containing welding fumes (at 2.5 mg/m³) for 6 hours. Before, 6, 10, and 29 hours after exposure start, whole blood cell lncRNAs levels were determined by RT-qPCR.
Results
In THP-1 macrophages, we observed a 2.3-fold increase of CDR1as at 1 h (Wilcoxon p = 0.03), a non-significant increase of CoroMarker at 1 h, and an increase of LINC00460 at 2 h (p = 0.03) and at 4 h (p = 0.06). In whole blood cells, we determined a non-significant upregulation of CDR1as at 6 h (p = 0.2), a significant downregulation of CoroMarker at 6 h (p = 0.04), and a significant upregulation of LINC00460 levels at 10 h (p = 0.04) and 29 h (p = 0.04). MALAT-1 remained unchanged in both settings.
Conclusion
The orientation of regulation of the lncRNAs is (except for CoroMarker) similar in the in vitro and in vivo experiments and in line with their described functions. Therefore, these results, e.g. the upregulation of the potential risk marker for cardiovascular diseases, CDR1as, contribute to understanding the underlying mechanisms of Zn/Cu-induced subclinical inflammation in metal workers.
... Additionally, for reasons that remain unclear, these often-fatal anthrax pneumonia cases have only been reported among welders and other metalworkers. A likely contributing factor is that long-term exposure to welding and metalworking fumes is associated with multiple types of lung injury that may affect lung function and increase susceptibility to pulmonary infections such as fatal pneumonia [14][15][16]. ...
... In both investigations, no additional cases were identified despite numerous other individuals (including other welders) having similar occupational exposures or possible contact with contaminated clothing and gear (i.e., patient A's household members). This suggests there may be a more complex array of risk factors beyond occupation and longterm welding exposures that predispose one to lung injury or infection [14,15]. Additional host factors such as iron overload and alcohol use disorder have been proposed as possible additional risk factors for welder's anthrax [19]. ...
Bacillus cereus group bacteria containing the anthrax toxin genes can cause fatal anthrax pneumonia in welders. Two welder’s anthrax cases identified in 2020 were investigated to determine the source of each patient’s exposure. Environmental sampling was performed at locations where each patient had recent exposure to soil and dust. Samples were tested for the anthrax toxin genes by real-time PCR, and culture was performed on positive samples to identify whether any environmental isolates matched the patient’s clinical isolate. A total of 185 environmental samples were collected in investigation A for patient A and 108 samples in investigation B for patient B. All samples from investigation B were real-time PCR-negative, but 14 (8%) samples from investigation A were positive, including 10 from patient A’s worksite and 4 from his work-related clothing and gear. An isolate genetically matching the one recovered from patient A was successfully cultured from a worksite soil sample. All welder’s anthrax cases should be investigated to determine the source of exposure, which may be linked to their worksite. Welding and metalworking employers should consider conducting a workplace hazard assessment and implementing controls to reduce the risk of occupationally associated illnesses including welder’s anthrax.
... Welding, a method of joining metals, employs millions of workers around the world (IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans 2018). However, many types of welding produce significant amounts of fumes which are known to be hazardous to human health (Antonini 2003). Acute and chronic conditions such as metal fume fever, bronchitis, and increased infection incidence have been reported in welders (Coggon et al. 1994;Holm et al. 2012;Marongiu et al. 2016;Suri et al. 2016). ...
... However, this may not be a likely outcome based on the dose extrapolations to the human and somewhat rapid clearance of the particulate. Ni represents the second largest metal component of the fume tested and is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the IARC, as supported by many worker and animal studies (IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans 1990;Costa 1991;Langard 1994;Shen & Zhang 1994;Antonini 2003;Kasprzak et al. 2003). Previous work by our lab has evaluated individual surrogate metal components of SS welding fume which included exposures to nickel oxide (NiO) in mice. ...
Objective: Stainless steel welding creates fumes rich in carcinogenic metals such as chromium (Cr). Welding consumables devoid of Cr are being produced in an attempt to limit worker exposures to toxic and carcinogenic metals. The study objective was to characterize a copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) fume generated using gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and determine the pulmonary deposition and toxicity of the fume in mice exposed by inhalation.
Materials and Methods: Male A/J mice (6-8 weeks of age) were exposed to air or Cu-Ni welding fumes for 2 (low deposition) or 4 (high deposition) hours/ day for 10 days. Mice were sacrificed, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), macrophage function, and histopathological analyses were performed at different timepoints post-exposure to evaluate resolution.
Results and Discussion: Characterization of the fume indicated that most of the particles were between 0.1 and 1 mm in diameter, with a mass median aerodynamic diameter of 0.43 mm. Metal content of the fume was Cu ($76%) and Ni ($12%). Post-exposure, BAL macrophages had a reduced ability to phagocytose E. coli, and lung cytotoxicity was evident and significant (>12%-19% fold change). Loss of body weight was also significant at the early timepoints. Lung inflammation, the predominant finding identified by histopathology, was observed as a subacute response early that progressively resolved by 28 days with only macrophage aggregates remaining late (84 days). Conclusions: Overall, there was high acute lung toxicity with a resolution of the response in mice which suggests that the Cu-Ni fume may not be ideal for reducing toxic and inflammatory lung effects. ARTICLE HISTORY
... Welders are exposed to a variety of occupational hazards with untoward health effects. Welding hazards such as the bright and blinding light of the welding arc, the hazardous composition of the welding fumes, the sharp metal edges as well as the hot and flying molten metal particles, fast moving machinery, noise, and vibration may lead to acute and chronic health effects (Sabitu et al., 2009, Antonini, 2003. Physical and accidental risks, like burns, cuts, lacerations, and fall injuries are also common (Bhumika et al,.2014, ...
... The back and waist pain experienced by majority of our respondents could be due to poor posture during working designed workshops and the absence of working benches.In addition, working for long hours in such poor postures could cause backache, fatigue and overstretching of muscles and joints leading toimpairment of welders" health and efficiency. Most the welding related health hazards enumerated in this study by the respondents are well documented occupational hazards related to the welding processes (Antonini, 2003, ILO, 2011). The observed low use of PPEs was attributed to a variety of reasons by the respondents including, inconvenience, production of excessive heat, forgetfulness, short duration of task, anticipated low risk of task, and affordability. ...
To assess the current workplace safety and associated health hazards of the informal welding industry in Ghana is the main purpose of this study. In pursuance of this objective, research questions such as Do the informal welders in Ghana have workplace safety challenges, what are they, to what extent has these challenges affected their operations, what health issues are associated with these challenges, and to what extent does unsafe practices of welders expose them to risks and hazards were administered. The springing up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana in response to the government"s industrialization drive provides several challenges including, lack of workplace safety, low occupational hazards awareness, inefficient safety management system and lack of health policy among workers in this sector. Welders are part of the informal occupational sector in Ghana. Welding exposes welders to a variety of work-related hazards, which may be deleterious to their health. The awareness of these hazards and the attitude towards them are important factors in the prevention of these hazards. The literature on occupational hazards and health has mainly focused on the formal sector with very little attention to the informal work environment. This paper fills this gap by providing empirical evidence of the current workplace safety and associated health hazards of the informal welding industry in Ghana. The study was a work site based cross-sectional one, conducted among 250 welders of various welding practices in the Kumasi Metropolis. Data obtained for this study were acquired through the use of questionnaire, personal observation and personal interviews. Data collected included socio-demographic profile, training, experience, job duration, and use of protective equipment, occupational injuries in the past one year, finance, marketing and policy. Key informant interviews and focused group discussion were also conducted to gather qualitative data on welding occupational hazards and the associated injuries. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage were used to analyze the facts sought from questionnaire. The study recorded an overall response rate of 96.5%. It was found out that those who practice arc welding accounts for 68.2% of the welding types followed by those who practice both arc welding and gas metal arc welding (31.8%). None of the respondents wore a complete PPE and only 5 percent of the welders wore respiratory protection. About 60% of them knew that PPE could be used to protect workers from hazards. Fire was the most reported hazard (97.7%).The prevailing physical injuries encountered were cuts to the hand/arms and feet (92%) and burns to the hands and feet (96%).Health concerns
... Strong evidence suggests that all welding fumes can be carcinogenic and can induce chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Stainless steel welders are additionally subject to inhalable hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), reported to increase the risk of health related issues, such as lung cancer, asthma and bronchitis [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Since the base material only contributes 5-10% to the total fume particle mass, the welding consumable composition becomes most important [14,15]. Fillers containing more Cr typically result in aerosols with higher amounts of Cr(VI) [11,[16][17][18][19]. ...
... Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) can be used in all welding positions, yielding the highest mechanical properties, but the process is slow and thus more time-consuming. It is the cleanest manual method when it comes to welding fume, but substantial amounts of O 3 are generated, which is highly inflammatory and can cause different pulmonary edema and DNA damage [15,20,92]. Wagner et al. [93,94] have, however, shown that it may be possible to reduce the O 3 formation considerably with the GTAW process by selecting special shielding gases. ...
Welding fumes have been found to be carcinogenic and stainless steel welders may be at higher risk due to increased formation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The slag-shielded methods, identified to generate most airborne particles and Cr(VI), would potentially be most harmful. With ever-stricter limits set to protect workers, measures to minimize human exposure become crucial. Austenitic stainless steel flux-cored wires of 316L type have been developed with the aim to reduce the toxicity of the welding fume without compromised usability. Collected particles were compared with fumes formed using solid, metal-cored, and standard flux-cored wires. The size, morphology, and composition were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Total metal concentrations and released amounts of metals (Cr, Cr(VI), Ni, Mn, Fe) were investigated after complete digestion in aqua regia and after incubation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) by means of flame furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity of the particles was assessed with the Alamar blue assay for cell viability using cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC-3kt). The findings correlate well with previous in vitro toxicity studies for standard and experimental wires. The new optimized 316L-type flux-cored wires showed improved weldability and generated less Cr(VI) in wt.-% than with solid wire. The respirable particles were confirmed to be less acute toxic in HBEC-3kt cells as compared to standard flux-cored wires. The highest cell viability (survival rate) was observed for the metal-cored wire.
... Strong evidence suggests that all welding fumes can be carcinogenic and can induce chronic inflammation in the respiratory tract [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Stainless steel welders are additionally subject to inhalable hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), reported to increase the risk of health related issues, such as lung cancer, asthma and bronchitis [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Since the base material only contributes 5-10% to the total fume particle mass, the welding consumable composition becomes most important [14,15]. Fillers containing more Cr typically result in aerosols with higher amounts of Cr(VI) [9, [16][17][18][19]. ...
... The highest emission rate and content of Cr(VI) have been confirmed for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), but also flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW) generate substantial amounts [24,25]. The general solubility of the fume is significantly higher for the SMAW and FCAW processes than with GMAW [15]. This is of importance as pulmonary toxicity can be associated with soluble forms of transition metals and their doses [27,28]. ...
Welding fumes have been found to be carcinogenic and stainless steel welders may be at higher risk due to increased formation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The slag-shielded methods, identified to generate most airborne particles and Cr(VI), would potentially be most harmful. With ever-stricter limits set to protect workers, measures to minimize human exposure become crucial. Austenitic stainless steel flux-cored wires of 316L type have been developed with the aim to reduce the toxicity of the welding fume without compromised usability. Collected particles were compared with fumes formed using solid, metal-cored, and standard flux-cored wires. In part 1, the new wires were concluded to have improved weldability, to generate even less Cr(VI) in wt.-% than with solid wire and to be less acute toxic in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells as compared to standard flux-cored wires. In part 2, two additional institutes created fume emission datasheets for the same wires for correlation with the fume data obtained in part 1. The reported values showed large variations between the three laboratories, having a significant effect on the standard deviation. This is suggested to be the result of different welding parameters and various ways to collect and analyze the fume. More stringent specifications on parameter settings and fume collection would be required to increase the accuracy. This means that at present, it may not be possible to compare fume data on datasheets from two different wire producers and care should be taken in interpretation of values given in the available literature. Nevertheless, the laboratories confirmed the same trends for Cr(VI) as presented in part 1.
... Welders are exposed to several risks during welding that could harm their health. The primary health issues linked to welding include [7]: -. ...
The biggest challenge for welders is the byproduct of welding, like smoke, heat, and ultraviolet light. It is the process of melting two or more metal pieces to the point of fusion, allowing them to cool, and then connecting the pieces. Arc welding, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding, Tungsten Inert Gas (GTAW or TIG) Welding, gas welding, resistance welding, laser welding, and other methods can all be used to complete the procedure. The welder has many health hazard issues, so the modal is designed to convert the manual welding operation to a fully automatic welding operation. A four-wheeled linear welding robot with a mechanical arm can perform the task. The detection method of the robot is to reference and analyze the structure of the welding job mechanically. There are many options for welding to make it effective. Like the welder can change the thickness of the welding, the thickness of the welding will be uniform. There is one more option for stitch welding for the initial welding operation. This process will enhance the product quality and quantity and minimize health issues as the person is not in direct contact with smoke, heat, or ultraviolet light. The primary purpose of the research is to automate the linear welding process economically so that it can get into the market and workers can be protected from industrial pollution. In addition, the parameters of welding are optimized so that the wastage of material can be reduced. Further, an experimental study is presented, which demonstrates that the robot successfully performs the welding operation continuously without human intervention.
... Conventional welding techniques can produce noxious fumes and gases. These gases and fumes affect the health of workers, and exposure to welding fumes can create persistent pulmonary bronchitis [3]. ...
Magnetic pulse welding (MPW) is a relatively new welding technique that has been gaining increasing attention from various industries. MPW allows for the welding of dissimilar materials, such as aluminum and copper, but with specific features at the interface. This study proposes the use of an original approach based on X-ray micro-computed tomography (XCT) to probe and analyze the surface interface between two dissimilar welded components. This method does not require the use of a peeling test to reveal the interface welding. XCT enables a global analysis of the interface and highlights specific features of MPW, such as vortexes and waves, from a new perspective involving metrics. Two vortex morphologies were observed at the interface and were described as standard or broken vortexes. They were classified based on their morphologies, sizes, and densities. Waves and vortexes were found to be inhomogeneous along the length and width of the welding direction at the interface, with sizes that could triple depending on the localization. The surfaces at the interface were numerically extracted and evaluated using roughness parameters. These values represent an increase in the average contact surface area of more than 26% between the two welded components. Vortex features obtained from the XCT analysis were similar to those observed on cross-sectional optical or electronic images, but containing lateral information (creation and collapsing) that are not available with standard cross-sectional images. These results demonstrate the material interlocking at the interface between the materials.
... The inhalation could be the most frequent route of exposure to nanoparticles present in the environment. Aerosols containing nanometer size metallic particles (e.g., Zinc oxide, tin) caused an acute adverse response in welders known as metal fume fever (Antonini, 2003). The inhaled nanoparticles can enter into the bloodstream after passing through the respiratory system. ...
The present study was carried out at the Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of
Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University and Chemistry
Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University. The aim of this study was
to focus on the synthesis and characterization of tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles and study the effect of
different concentrations of tin oxide nanoparticles on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense system,
biochemical parameters, in addition to histology and immune histochemistry in liver and kidney of male
rats. Fifty male rats (150-170g) were divided into four groups of 10 rats for each. The first group was used
as control, while group II, group III, group IV and group V were treated orally with Tin oxide NPs at a dose
of 1/150 LD50, 1/100 LD50, 1/50 LD50, and 1/25 LD50 mg/kg BW/day for a period of three weeks; at the
end of the experimental period, blood samples, liver and kidney were collected for the investigation of
different parameters. Tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles was prepared and characterized using different
instruments such as Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), High Resolution- Transmission, Electron
Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Treatment with tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles different concentrations
increased liver and kidney thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
and decreased the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase
(CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content
as compared to control. Protein contents were significantly decreased when rats treated with tin oxide
(SnO2) nanoparticles different concentrations in comparison to control group. Treatment with tin oxide
(SnO2) nanoparticles different concentrations caused significant increase in urea and creatinine. The
increase in urea and creatinine concentration is considered as significant markers of renal dysfunction.
Treatment with tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles different concentrations caused significant decrease in the
activities of aspartate aminotrasferase (AST), alanine aminotrasferasehe (ALT), alkaline phosphatase
(ALP) and significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in rat liver and kidney homogenates.
Histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were observed and this confirmed the biochemical
perturbations occurred due to tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles different concentrations in rat liver and
kidney.
... Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) determined the level of elements reflecting the internal exposure to welding fume. Survey of literature to analyze the composition of welding fume (Antonini 2003;Li and Taneepanichskul 2021), we finally decided to measure Fe, Ni, Cu, Sr, Mo, Cd, and Pb in urine, and Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb, and Pb in whole blood. For the analysis, 0.5 mL of urine samples were diluted to 10 mL with a 1% nitric acid solution, and 0.5 mL of the whole blood samples were diluted to 5 mL with a solution of 0.5% nitric acid and 0.1% Triton X-100. ...
Objective
Welding fume exposure is inevitable of welding workers and poses a severe hazard to their health since welding is a necessary industrial process. Thus, preclinical diagnostic symptoms of worker exposure are of great importance. The aim of this study was to screen serum differential metabolites of welding fume exposure based on UPLC–QTOF-MS/MS.Methods
In 2019, 49 participants were recruited at a machinery manufacturing factory. The non-target metabolomics technique was used to clarify serum metabolic signatures in people exposed to welding fume. Differential metabolites were screened by OPLS-DA analysis and Student's t-test. The receiver operating characteristic curve evaluated the discriminatory power of differential metabolites. And the correlations between differential metabolites and metal concentrations in urine and whole blood were analyzed utilizing Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsThirty metabolites were increased significantly, and 5 metabolites were decreased. The differential metabolites are mainly enriched in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, glycero phospholipid, linoleic acid, and thiamine. These results observed that lysophosphatidylcholine (20:1/0:0) and phosphatidylglycerol(PGF1α/16:0) had a tremendous anticipating power with relatively increased AUC values (AUC > 0.9), and they also presented a significant correlation of Mo concentrations in whole blood and Cu concentrations in urine, respectively.Conclusion
The serum metabolism was changed significantly after exposure to welding fume. Lysophosphatidylcholine (20:1/0:0) and phosphatidylglycerol (PGF1α/16:0) may be a potential biological mediator and biomarker for laborers exposure to welding fume.
... Trainees proceed to conduct hands-on welding tasks under the guidance from the instructor, see Fig. 1. The main limitation of this approach comes from the inability to clearly observe the workpiece geometry and the process through the protective helmet, which must be worn at all times (see Fig. 1) [6], [7], [8] (beginners generally struggle to obtain a clear spatial notion of what is occurring on the other side of the helmet). The near-dark experience makes it difficult to learn how the different configurations affect the quality of a weld. ...
This article presents the development of a multisensor user interface to facilitate the instruction of arc welding tasks. Traditional methods to acquire hand-eye coordination skills are typically conducted through one-to-one instruction, where trainees must wear protective helmets and conduct several tests. These approaches are inefficient as the harmful light emitted from the electric arc impedes the close monitoring of the process. Practitioners can only observe a small bright spot. To tackle these problems, recent training approaches have leveraged virtual reality to safely simulate the process and visualize the geometry of the workpieces. However, the synthetic nature of these types of simulation platforms reduces their effectiveness as they fail to comprise actual welding interactions with the environment, which hinders the trainees' learning process. To provide users with a real welding experience, we have developed a new multisensor extended reality platform for arc welding training. Our system is composed of: 1) An HDR camera, monitoring the real welding spot in real time. 2) A depth sensor, capturing the 3-D geometry of the scene; and 3) A head-mounted VR display, visualizing the process safely. Our innovative platform provides users with a "bot trainer," virtual cues of the seam geometry, automatic spot tracking, and performance scores. To validate the platform's feasibility, we conduct extensive experiments with several welding training tasks. We show that compared with the traditional training practice and recent virtual reality approaches, our automated multisensor method achieves better performances in terms of accuracy, learning curve, and effectiveness.
... Occupational health is geared toward the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in their work environment. [17] In this study, it was observed that 95% of the respondents were aware of one form of PPE or the other, 24.4% were aware of the health hazards of petroleum products contamination, but only 18.8% actually use one or more PPE at the workplace. The level of education and duration of employment correlated with knowledge of health hazards, awareness of PPE, and the use of PPE by respondents. ...
... It is estimated that more than ten million people worldwide are occupationally exposed to welding fumes. Several scientific data points to the effects caused on workers exposed to these vapors and their association with DNA damage and cancer risk (Antonini 2003). In a recently published study of welders, the CBMN-Cyt assay was used to assess the effects of this exposure on isolated lymphocytes. ...
... Welding is ubiquitous and indispensable in industrial development, and it consists of joining metals by fusing and melting them; it also includes tasks such as grinding, brazing, and soldering. It is estimated that more than 1 million workers worldwide perform welding as a part of their jobs [1]. Potential health hazards may arise during the welding process, including exposure to physical hazards, ergonomic stress, and chemical poisons. ...
The workers exposed to metal fumes had an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which was correlated with decreased serum adiponectin. Thus, we aimed to explore whether heavy metal exposure affects the adiponectin level. There were 96 male workers recruited from a shipyard at baseline. Apart from 82 participants completed the follow-up assessments, new participants were recruited in next year. Finally, there were 100 welding workers in the exposure group and 31 office workers in the control group. Inferential statistics on repeated measures were performed using generalized estimating equations. A weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model was conducted to examine the joint effect of the multimetal exposure with serum adiponectin. Significantly negative associations of metals with adiponectin were detected in the welding workers, including Cr (β = −0.088; 95% CI: −0.148, −0.027), Mn (β = −0.174; 95% CI: −0.267, −0.081), Co (β = −0.094; 95% CI: −0.158, −0.029), Ni (β = −0.108; 95% CI: −0.208, −0.008), Cd (β = −0.067; 95% CI: −0.115, −0.018), and Pb (β = −0.089; 95% CI: −0.163, −0.015). The WQS regression suggested that Pb was the greatest contributor. In conclusion, our findings highlighted that welding workers exposed to heavy metals would reduce serum adiponectin.
... Reports show that in the worldwide, more than 11 million welders and 110 million workers in non-welding jobs have exposed to welding fumes (Taj et al. 2021). Some studies show that fumes have an important role to create the adverse health effects for human (Schraufnagel 2020; Antonini 2003). According to the OSHA, welding fume may contain heavy metals such as lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), vanadium (V), beryllium (Be), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), antimony (Sb), mercury (Hg), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), and cobalt (Co). ...
Welding fumes have an important role to create the adverse health effects. So, the aim of this study was to use of multiple occupational health risk assessment models for metal fumes in welding process.
This cross-sectional study was conducted among welding workers. Sampling of heavy metals such as Sn, Zn, Al, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, and As was provided based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) method 7300 and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Risk assessment was managed by four methods including Malaysia's method, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Essentials (COSHH model), Chinese OHRA standard (GBZ/T 298-2017) and EPA method. Also, Monte Carlo simulation was used to examine the uncertainties in EPA method by using the Crystal Ball tool. To compare the models, the risk levels of each model were converted into the risk ratio and SPSS 22.0 software was used to the statistical analysis. The consistency of the two occupational health risk assessment models was examined by Cohen's Kappa.
Risk ration was the highest level for Cr (VI) fumes in all models. Also, carcinogenic risk was unacceptable for all examined fumes. Moreover, non-carcinogenic risk was the highest (HI>1) for As fumes. Mont Carlo simulationssuggested that exposure time (ET) had a significant effect on the risk. Also, there was a good consistency between Malaysia method/ GBZ/T 298-2017 and COSHH model/GBZ/T 298-2017.
Therefore, it is recommended that the engineering and administrative controls should be provided to reduce exposure.
... A retrospective study of ferromanganese re nery workers showed that manganese dust could impair pulmonary ventilation function in male workers (Wang et al. 2015). Soyseth and Antonini et al found that exposure to manganese dust has adverse effects on lung function, including air ow restriction, bronchitis, airway irritation, and changes in lung function (Antonini 2003;Søyseth et al. 2011). ...
Background
Heavy metal exposure is associated with decreased lung function, but the relationship between metals co-exposure and lung function in rural areas of northwest China remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the effects of single or co-exposure of heavy metals on lung function in a rural cohort of northwest China.
Methods
All participants were recruited from the Dongdagou-Xinglong (DDG-XL) rural cohort of Gansu province. Urine levels of 10 common heavy metals were detected, including cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), cadmium (Cd), stibium (Sb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn). The lung function was detected by measuring percentages of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) as well as the ratio of FEV1/FVC. We also analyzed the association between heavy metals and pulmonary ventilation dysfunction (PVD). Restricted cubic spline, logistic regression, linear regression and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to analyze the relationship between heavy metals exposure and lung function.
Results
Finally, a total of 382 participants were included in this study with the average age of 56.69 ± 7.32 years, 82.46% of them used solid fuels for heating and cooking. Logistic regression analysis showed that higher concentration of Hg, Mn, Sb and lower Mo may be risk factors for PVD. And linear regression showed that FEV1% and FVC% were negatively correlated with Sb, Hg, Mn, but positively correlated with Mo. Through BKMR model, we found the lung function decreased with the increase of heavy metals concentration. In addition, Hg and Mn made an enormous contribution to the decline of lung function. Simultaneously, subgroup analyses showed that the males, the people with BMI ≥ 24kg/m² and used solid fuels showed a higher risk of PVD when exposed to Co, Zn and Hg.
Conclusions
This study found that heavy metals exposure were associated with impairment of lung function regardless of single exposure or co-exposure, particularly for Hg and Mn.
... Regardless of the fact that even resistance welding processes can generate fumes causing hazards [11][12][13] arc welding processes are, however, generally assessed to primarily being accompanied by generating fumes of complex nature; hence, negatively affecting the operator's health. Antonini [14] in 2003, did not tangibly found epidemiology research results providing sufficient evidence for welding fumes to cause cancer thus claimed that "continuation of worker epidemiology studies is vastly needed". The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2017, provided this systematic epidemiology analysis and, in turn, listed welding fumes generally under "Group 1". ...
Fume emission in arc welding, particularly applying consumable electrode processes, can be reduced, however, practically not entirely be eliminated. A variety of technological means, developed to achieve worker protection, makes it difficult for the user quantitatively to evaluate their effectiveness. By using advanced Metal-Active-Gas (MAG)-process variants under boundary conditions assumed frequently found in the industry, this study aimed at quantifying the efficiency and, in the event of used in combination, the degree of interaction of technical measures for welding fume protection. An approach involving measurement of fume emission rate, determination of specified chemical elements, and evaluation of exposure rates was used therefore. Data considered useful to those in charge of deciding which measure may provide efficient protection were derived and discussed. In addition, ‘environmental background’ effects, apart from the actual welding process applied, are suggested to take into greater account because of affecting measurement output.
... Epidemiological studies have shown that a large number of welders experience several types of respiratory diseases among full-time welders, including bronchitis, airway irritation, changes in lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and possibly an increased incidence of lung cancer. Pulmonary infections were also found to be increased in severity, duration, and frequency among welders [6], [7]. The hazardous welding environment not only disrupts work productivity but also causes ill health. ...
Welding is associated with regular exposure to dust and fumes. Many studies have proven that there is a decrease in lung function due to exposure to this agent. This study aimed to quantitatively analyze the risk factors of impaired lung function among welders in Binong, Tangerang, Indonesia. This was a cross-sectional study design. The lung function of 30 welders is measured by spirometry using the parameters of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FCV), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and the ratio of FEV1/FVC. Chi-square analysis was performed and showed that 20 respondents (67%) had impaired lung function, while 10 respondents (33%) had normal lung function. Another factor contributing to impaired lung function among welding workers was their nutritional status, whereby respondents with abnormal nutritional status (body mass index (BMI) 18.4 or ≥25.1) were at 2.15 times higher risk of suffering from impaired lung function compared to respondents with normal nutritional status. Additionally, respondents who did not exercise regularly were at 1.22 times higher risk of impaired lung function compared to those who exercised regularly. Therefore, it is necessary to collaborate with the local community health center to monitor the health of the welders. It is recommended to carry out regular health checks, specifically pulmonary examination, at least once at a year to keep track of the health development of the workers. It is important to equip the workspace with a good ventilation system, and to have the welder work with appropriate personal protective equipment.
... Several studies have investigated the effects on the respiratory system of workers exposed to metal fumes. The most frequently reported acute respiratory illness in welders is metal fume fever (MFF) [4,5]. In addition to the typically benign and self-limited course of MFF, some severe metal fume inhalation-related lung parenchymal disorders have been reported. ...
Acute respiratory illness caused by exposure to welding-associated zinc oxide fumes is known as metal fume fever (MFF). MFF is generally characterized as a self-limiting disease. Few studies have reported chemical pneumonitis associated with zinc fume inhalation. We report a case study involving severe episodes of MFF accompanied by chemical pneumonitis due to the inhalation of zinc oxide fumes while operating an arc welder. A 54-year-old man developed flu-like symptoms after arc welding galvanized steel in a poorly ventilated area. Despite intravenous antibiotics therapy, his clinical course worsened, and his urine zinc concentration was remarkably elevated (3579 μg/24 h; reference range, 0–616 μg/24 h). A chest computed tomography revealed extensive consolidation, ground-glass opacity in the lungs, and right pleural effusion. After corticosteroid treatment, the patient’s symptoms and radiologic findings significantly improved. It should be noted that the inhalation of zinc oxide fumes can occasionally induce acute lung injury via inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
... et al., 2017) (Michalek, et al. Les constituants métallique des FS tels que le Pb, l'Al et le Mn ont été soupçonnés de provoquer des atteintes neurologiques et/ou psychiatriques chez les travailleurs exposés dans le cadre de leurs activités de soudage(Antonini et al., 2003). Une étude récente a montré une association significative entre l'exposition aux FS et la dérégulation de gènes impliqués dans certaines maladies neurodégénératives(Rana et al., 2019). ...
La fraction particulaire des fumées de soudage (FS) a très récemment été suspectée d’êtrel’un des acteurs majeurs de leurs effets néfastes sur la santé humaine. Cependant, à ce jour,la toxicité de cette fraction n'a pas encore été étudiée de manière approfondie. Notre travailde thèse a consisté à caractériser la fraction ultrafine des FS émises par le soudage à l'arc del’acier inoxydable et à étudier, dans un modèle de cellules épithéliales bronchiques humaines(BEAS-2B), les mécanismes cellulaires et moléculaires impliqués dans sa toxicité pulmonaire.Les particules ultrafines (PUF), générées par le soudage à l'arc de l’acier inoxydable, avaientdes caractéristiques physico-chimiques proches de celles généralement rencontrées en milieuprofessionnel. Nos résultats ont clairement démontré le rôle crucial joué par les PUF des FS,très riche en métaux, dans la production d’un stress oxydant, causant des dommagesoxydatifs, des altérations génétiques et épigénétiques, et activant certaines voies designalisation cellulaire critiques. Ils ont aussi souligné l’urgence d'inclure les PUF des FS dansles futures normes de qualité de l'air.
... Studies about the hazardous effects of welding fumes have reported adverse respiratory effects such as airway irritation, decreased lung function, asthma, bronchitis, pneumoconiosis, and lung cancer (5). However, little information exists about the non-respiratory effects of welding fumes, particularly neurological effects (6). ...
Background: Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for the human body, but it can cause adverse effects on the Central Nervous System at high doses. Exposure to manganese fumes during welding can harm welders' health. Objectives: The current study aimed to measure manganese produced by shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) in the breathing zone air and blood of welders and investigate the relationship between manganese concentrations in air and blood. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 35 welders were enrolled as the exposed group and 40 office workers as the control group. Manganese concentration in air was measured according to NIOSH method 7301. Air and blood sample analyses were carried out by ICP-OES. Statistical analysis was performed with MINITAB 17. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, one-sample t-test, paired t-test, and logistic regression. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Result: The mean concentration of welding respirable particles and manganese fumes were 9.56 ± 1.67 and 0.45 ± 0.08 mg/m3, three and 22 times the exposure limit recommended by ACGIH, respectively. Average manganese was significantly higher in the welders’ blood (0.16 ± 0.02 µg/mL) than in the controls’ blood (0.04 ± 0.002 µg/mL). There were strong and significant correlations between the welding respirable particles and manganese concentration in welders’ breathing zone and blood manganese levels. Also, with each year of work experience, the manganese concentration in the welders’ blood increased by 1.5%. Conclusions: Welders are at risk of contamination with manganese. Manganese exposure reduction through more efficient ventilation systems, reducing welder’s exposure time, staff training, and appropriate respiratory protection equipment should be applied to reduce manganese exposure among welders and prevent health complications.
... It is estimated that more than ten million people worldwide are occupationally exposed to welding fumes. Several scientific data points to the effects caused on workers exposed to these vapors and their association with DNA damage and cancer risk (Antonini 2003). In a recently published study of welders, the CBMN-Cyt assay was used to assess the effects of this exposure on isolated lymphocytes. ...
... Certain metals commonly found in base metals or consumables may carry a risk to a worker's health. Chromium (Cr) and hexavalent chromium (Cr 6 ) have been associated with work-related skin problems, lung cancer, and fertility issues [3]- [6], while zinc has been associated with metal fume fever, nickel with lung cancer, and manganese and aluminum potentially with diseases of the nervous system [4]. During welding activities, these metals can take different forms and become airborne ultrafine particles, which are able to penetrate the lungs and lung tissues and enter the blood stream, making welders vulnerable to ill-health. ...
This project extends work on the Women’s Health in Apprenticeship Trades—Metalworkers and Electricians (Whatme) project, a prospective cohort of women welders from across Canada, set up in 2010 by a research team from
the University of Alberta at the request of the CSA W117.2 Technical Committee on safety in welding, cutting, and
allied processes. The primary objective of the What-me project was to examine the effects on the fetus when welding
during pregnancy and, secondarily, the effects on the health of the welders themselves.
The project extension reported here was put in place to provide quantitative, validated estimates of exposures to
particulates and metals during welding that could be used, in a second step, to evaluate levels of exposure associated
with any observed adverse health outcomes in the What-me project. This report describes the methods and results
of three stages in the estimates of exposure, (1) the literature search, extraction, and statistical modelling of published
data from 179 articles producing a total of 2,965 summary statistics; (2) the collection and analysis of exposure data
from 60 experimental welding sessions carried out in the Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining at the University
of Alberta; and (3) the validation and calibration of statistical models using data from both sources.
The resulting statistical models, presented here for total particulates, provide a tool for quantification of exposures
within the What-me project. They will also be of use to other researchers and practitioners who have access to
process description without the capacity for direct measurement of airborne exposures.
... Welding fumes are created as a by-product of the welding process and contain toxic metals including chromium, nickel and manganese that are of concern for occupational health. Approximately 10 million people are estimated to somehow be exposed to welding fumes in their occupational setting (IARC 2017), where the metal-containing fumes have been linked to several health outcomes including bronchitis, respiratory irritation, and inflammation (Antonini 2003;Zeidler-Erdely et al. 2012;Riccelli et al. 2020). Welding fumes are further established to be carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC 2017). ...
Translating particle dose from in vitro systems to relevant human exposure remains a major challenge for the use of in vitro studies in assessing occupational hazard and risk of particle exposure. This study aimed to model the lung deposition and retention of welding fume particles following occupational scenarios and subsequently compare the lung doses to those used in vitro. We reviewed published welding fume concentrations and size distributions to identify input values simulating real-life exposure scenarios in the multiple path particle dosimetry (MPPD) model. The majority of the particles were reported to be below 0.1 μm and mass concentrations ranged between 0.05 and 45 mg/m ³ . Following 6-h exposure to 5 mg/m ³ with a count median diameter of 50 nm, the tracheobronchial lung dose (0.89 µg/cm ² ) was found to exceed the in vitro cytotoxic cell dose (0.125 µg/cm ² ) previously assessed by us in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC-3kt). However, the tracheobronchial retention decreased rapidly when no exposure occurred, in contrast to the alveolar retention which builds-up over time and exceeded the in vitro cytotoxic cell dose after 1.5 working week. After 1 year, the tracheobronchial and alveolar retention was estimated to be 1.15 and 2.85 µg/cm ² , respectively. Exposure to low-end aerosol concentrations resulted in alveolar retention comparable to cytotoxic in vitro dose in HBEC-3kt after 15–20 years of welding. This study demonstrates the potential of combining real-life exposure data with particle deposition modelling to improve the understanding of in vitro concentrations in the context of human occupational exposure.
... Toxic metal pollution has become a growing public health concern with its potential to cause cardiovascular diseases resulting from increasing industrialization and its associated activities [1][2][3]. Welders are exposed to acute and long-term occupational welding fumes with metal particles, which are assumed to be more harmful than the normal ambient PM 2.5 exposure [4]. Hypothetical mechanisms of welding fume toxicity center on oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, similar to the mechanism that link PM 2.5 and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [5][6][7]. ...
Background
Occupational welding fumes contain varieties of toxic metal particles and may affect cardiovascular system like the Particulate Matters (PM). Few studies have focused on the effects of toxic metals on the hemodynamic balance; however, the reporting results were not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between toxic metals exposure (Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb)) and blood hemostatic parameters status after a 3-week exposure cessation among workers exposed to welding fumes.
Methodology
Structured interviews and biological samplings were conducted for 86 male workers without a history of Anemia and Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and working in a confined space to construct crude oil tanks. Metal levels of Cr, Mn and Pb in urine were measured during the working days using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) method. The concentrations of hemostatic proteins in blood (White blood cell counts (WBC), Lymphocytes, Monocyte, Eosinophil, Neutrophil, Hematocrit (Hct) were assessed after a 3 weeks exposure cessation. Workers were divided into groups based on occupation type (welder group and non-welder group), and based on metal levels (high and low exposure groups) for comparison. Linear regression models were used to explore the association between metal exposure and multiple blood hemostatic parameters adjusted for age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status.
Results
Urine Mn and Cr level of the welder group was significantly higher than the non-welder group (Mn: 0.96 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.001; Cr: 0.63 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.01). The mean value of Hct in the welder group was 44.58 ± 2.84 vol%, significantly higher than the non-welder group (43.07 ± 3.31 vol%, p = 0.026). The median value of WBC in the high Mn-exposed group (6.93 ± 1.59 X 10 ⁶ Cell/ml) was significantly lower than the low Mn-exposed group (7.90 ± 2.13 X 10 ⁶ Cell/ml, p = 0.018). The linear regression analyses showed that there was a significantly negative association between log transformed WBC value and the Mn exposure groups (high and low) after adjusting for age, BMI, and smoking status (β = - 0.049, p = 0.045), but no significant result was found between WBC and occupation types (welder and non-welder) (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis also showed positive association between Hct and occupational types (welder and non-welders) (β = 0.014, p = 0.055). The other hemostatic parameters were not different from controls when divided by occupation type or metal level groups.
Conclusions
Our results showed that welders were exposed to about 3 to 4 times higher Mn and Cr concentrations than non-welders. Moreover, one third of the non-welders were exposed to high-exposure groups of Mn and Cr metals. Regression models revealed a significant association of the WBC counts with the Mn exposure group. Therefore, we infer that Mn exposure may play a significant role on the blood hemostatic parameters of workers in the confined space. Hazard identification for non-welders should also be conducted in the confined space.
... Thus investigating its effect on human health will contribute to improving both occupational environment conditions and worker's health status and possibly of reduced insurance costs. It is well documented that both welding and solvent fumes and suspended particles, as well as ELF-MF in various occupational environments, possess a serious threat to human health 1-6, 9-21, [58][59][60][61][62][63][64] . In the meantime, results that indicate no threat to human health were also reported [65][66][67] . ...
Shipyards are industrial areas where workers are likely exposed to environmental pollutants such as welding fumes, fine organic solvent and dye dust, that render the occupational environment a high risk one. Assessing the risk that workers are exposed to is a high critical factor in improving their working conditions. The present study aims to investigate the potential genetic damage to workers exposed to a harsh environment in a Greek shipyard. It is focused on assessing the percentage of induced micronuclei, as well as on changes in the various cell types of shipyard workers’ oral mucosa epithelium by implementing the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Exposed workers appeared with statistically significant induced micronuclei as compared to office employees. Statistically, significant cell lesions were detected and are related to workers’ exposure to environmental conditions. The workers’ smoking habit contributed as well to the observed buccal epithelial cell alterations. The observed data signify the high-risk workers are exposed; resulting in the shipyard’s management the need to implement measures improving the working environment conditions and to reevaluate the workers’ personal protective equipment requirements.
A new welding protective clothing system has been proposed to enhance the protective performance, comfort, and safety of welding protective clothing, considering the hazards associated with welding processes. The structure and fabric of the protective clothing carrier were redesigned, and a safety and protection system based on Internet of Things technology was developed. Objective tests and subjective evaluations were conducted on the protective clothing system. The results of objective tests showed that compared to regular welding protective clothing, the new protective clothing exhibited significant improvements in flame resistance, light resistance, and mechanical performance, with relatively lower vapor resistance. In subjective evaluations, the subjective evaluation scores (on a 5-point scale) of the new welding protective clothing were 26.46% and 27.95% higher than those of regular welding protective clothing, respectively ( p ≤ .05). Furthermore, the protective clothing system demonstrated a highly sensitive monitoring and feedback mechanism during testing, which can enhance workers’ ability to withstand risks and improve their psychological safety. The research on welding protective clothing with safety functions not only provides reference for innovative design of traditional welding protective clothing, but also lays a theoretical foundation for further research on other types of protective clothing.
Welding fume is a common exposure in occupational settings. Gravimetric analysis for total particulate matter is common; however, the cost of laboratory analyses limits the availability of quantitative exposure assessment for welding fume metal constituents in occupational settings. We investigated whether a field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (FP-XRF) could provide accurate estimates of personal exposures to metals common in welding fume (chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, vanadium, and zinc). The FP-XRF requires less training and is easier to deploy in many settings than traditional wet laboratory analyses. Filters were analyzed both by FP-XRF and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We estimated the FP-XRF limit of detection for each metal and developed a correction factor accounting for the non-uniform deposition pattern on filter samples collected with an Institute of Medicine (IOM) inhalable particulate matter sampler. Strong linear correlation was observed for all metals (0.72 < r < 0.96). The median percent bias for chromium and nickel was less than 15%. The linear slope between the two methods for some metals (copper, manganese, and zinc) was greater than 1, indicating that the FP-XRF overestimated metal mass (median percent bias for vanadium was the largest at 94%), but the linearity of the response suggests that appropriate correction factors could be developed.
Welding fumes contain harmful metals and gas by-products associated with development of lung dysfunction, asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Two prominent welding fume particulate metal components are nanosized iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) which might induce oxidative stress and inflammation resulting in pulmonary injury. Welding fume toxicity may be dependent upon metal nanoparticle (NP) components. To examine toxicity of welding fume NP components, a system was constructed for controlled and continuous NP generation from commercial welding and customized electrodes with varying proportions of Fe and Mn. Aerosols generated consisted of nanosized particles and were compositionally consistent with each electrode. Human alveolar lung A459 epithelial cells were exposed to freshly generated metal NP mixtures at a target concentration of 100 µg/m3 for 6 hr and then harvested for assessment of cytotoxicity, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and alterations in the expression of genes and proteins involved in metal regulation, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress. Aerosol exposures decreased cell viability and induced increased ROS production. Assessment of gene expression demonstrated variable up-regulation in cellular mechanisms related to metal transport and storage, inflammation, and oxidative stress based upon aerosol composition. Specifically, interleukin-8 (IL-8) demonstrated the most robust changes in both transcriptional and protein levels after exposure. Interleukin-8 has been determined to serve as a primary cytokine mediating inflammatory responses induced by welding fume exposures in alveolar epithelial cells. Overall, this study demonstrated variations in cellular responses to metal NP mixtures suggesting compositional variations in NP content within welding fumes may influence inhalation toxicity.
There is a need for guidance in policymaking concerning the dangers, risks and controls associated with nanoparticle exposure in the workplace. This is because there is a lack of scientific clarity on the potentially negative effects that nanoparticle exposure could have on an individual’s health. Everyone from employees and investors to health authorities and employers stands to gain from having a deeper understanding of the ethical issues at hand. When it comes to the goal of occupational safety and health, preventing workers from becoming sick, the most ethically problematic scenarios have been discovered. Toxicological and control research should be prioritised in these circumstances, which include: (a) scientists and authorities detecting and conveying hazardous and risk factors; (b) employees’ acceptance of risk; (c) control selection and execution and (d) medical screening programmes. Researchers, authorities, and employers are identifying and communicating the dangers of the environment to the general public, while also assessing the willingness of employees to take on risks. Ethical considerations include the objective evaluation of potential dangers and threats, non-maleficence (the principle of not causing damage), autonomy, fairness and privacy, as well as the promotion of respect for individuals. As potential solutions to ethical conundrums are uncovered and investigated, policy-makers have the opportunity to develop available options. In addition, societal conversations regarding the threats that nanotechnology poses in the workplace may benefit from a concentration on small businesses and the adoption of a global perspective. This chapter explores numerous ethical consequences, health and safety issues that are raised by nanotechnology at various phases of manufacturing and use.KeywordsNanoscienceNanotechnologyRisk assessmentHealth effectsHazard assessment
There are more than one million deaths due to lung cancer every year. Occupational exposure is thought to be responsible for 10% of lung cancer cases. A 51-year-old male patient applied to our clinic with complaints of weakness and rapid fatigue that have been going on for 1 month. In his professional history, it was learned that he has been working as welder for 24 years. On the thoracic computed tomography, a nodular lesion of approximately 5 cm in size with irregular borders and approximately 1.7 cm in size with irregular borders in the anterior left upper lobe, surrounding the hilar vascular structures, was observed in the left hilar region. On the PET-CT scan, there was intense metabolic activity uptake in interactions in cells. Biopsy taken from the endobronchial lesion detected in fiberoptic bronchoscopy was reported as adenocarcinoma. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), classifies carcinogens that cause cancer development in humans into 4 groups. Welding fume exposure in our case is in group 1 accoriding to IARC.Here, we presented a occupatşonal lung cancer case related to the welding fumes.
The radiological patterns of known pneumoconiosis have been changing in recent years. The basic pathology in pneumoconiosis is the presence of dust macules, mixed dust fibrosis, nodules, diffuse interstitial fibrosis, and progressive massive fibrosis. These pathologic changes can coexist in dust-exposed workers. High resolution CT reflects pathological findings in pneumoconiosis and is useful for the diagnosis. Pneumoconiosis such as silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, graphite pneumoconiosis, and welder's pneumoconiosis, has predominant nodular HRCT pattern. Diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis is sometimes found in the lungs of this pneumoconiosis. In the early stages of metal lung, such as aluminosis and hard metal lung, centrilobular nodules are predominant findings, and in the advanced stages, reticular opacities are predominant findings. The clinician must understand the spectrum of expected imaging patterns related to known dust exposures and novel exposures. In this article, HRCT and pathologic findings of pneumoconiosis with predominant nodular opacities are shown.
La enfermedad respiratoria aguda causada por la exposición a humos de óxido de zinc generados en el proceso de soldadura se conoce como fiebre por humos metálicos (MFF). La MFF suele ser una enfermedad autolimitada, y hay pocos reportes de neumonitis química asociada con la inhalación de humos de zinc. Reportamos un estudio de caso con episodios graves de MFF acompañados de neumonitis química debida a la inhalación de humos de óxido de zinc por la operación de una soldadora de arco. Un hombre de 54 años desarrolló síntomas gripales tras soldar acero galvanizado por arco en una zona mal ventilada. A pesar de la terapia antibiótica intravenosa, el curso clínico empeoró, y la concentración de zinc en la orina fue notablemente elevada (3579 μG/24 h; intervalo de referencia, 0–616 μG/24 h). La tomografía computarizada torácica reveló extensa consolidación, opacidad con aspecto de vidrio esmerilado en los pulmones y derrame pleural derecho. Tras el tratamiento con corticosteroides, los síntomas y los hallazgos radiológicos del paciente mejoraron significativamente. Debe tenerse en cuenta que la inhalación de humos de óxido de zinc puede inducir ocasionalmente lesiones pulmonares agudas mediadas por la respuesta inflamatoria y el estrés oxidativo.
Welders are a group of workers whose working ability and health condition are affected by specific work-related activities, condition or materials which are hazardous to health. Welding despite its importance has been regarded as a very risky job. People usually experience occupational injuries and diseases and majority even die at work due to frequent exposure to welding hazards. Incidentally, very few studies have addressed occupational hazards and use of personal protective equipment among small scale welders in Imo State Nigeria. But to the best of the researcher's knowledge, none of these studies included Owerri North Local Government Area Imo State, Nigeria. It is in view of the above that this work was carried out to determine occupational hazards and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among small scale welders in Owerri North LGA, Imo State. The aim of the study was to assess occupational hazards and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among small scale welders in Owerri North LGA Imo State. The study employed a descriptive cross sectional study design to elicit information from 212 small scale welders located in Owerri North LGA, Imo State. A well-structured interview guide and a hazard assessment checklist were used to collect data and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Chi square test was used for comparing study variables. The level of significance was set at P≤0.05. The findings revealed that from observation, welders were exposed to hazards such as bright light, heat, noise and fumes (100%) respectively. The study showed that majority (40.1%) of the welders had low awareness regarding welding hazard, as bright light (91.5%) was the most common hazard identified, while majority (50.0%) of the welders had high awareness regarding PPE, as welding goggle (90.6%) was the most common PPE identified. The most commonly used PPE reported by welders were foot PPE and body PPE (62.7% and 53.8%) respectively. Also none of the welders used all the recommended PPE at the same time during their work. The findings also revealed that, socio-demographic characteristics such as age, marital status, level of education and work experience of welders influenced their awareness regarding hazards and their awareness regarding PPE. Welders in this study also used non-recommended PPE such as sunglasses, cotton mask and ordinary shoe during welding operations. Hence this study concluded that welders worked under dangerous conditions that exposed them to numerous hazards. A lot of welders in this study were not aware of welding hazards. Although most welders were aware of PPE but a much smaller proportion among them actually uses PPE during welding. These hazards if not prevented would lead to increase in occupational injuries and diseases and even death amongst welders. Therefore, there should be an intense focus on education on hazard identification and also strict enforcement on proper use of PPE among small scale welders in Owerri North LGA.
p>E-waste is a popular name for electronic products nearing the end of their favorable life. Which ensuing in increased dangers of digital waste normally acknowledged as e-waste. Present study was aimed to find out the soil quality, air pollution and its relation to human health risk. Therefore, two study sites (SI and SII) were choised on the basis of various activities. PM<sub>2.5</sub> air samples had been gathered with the help of RDS after which were analyzed to heavy metals through ICP-MS. Objectives of the study, was to generate baseline data at the quantity of heavy metal cognizance in soil from two test sites. In rise, we measured the heavy metallic concentrations in scalp hair and fingernails to discover if there exists any relation among organic publicity and environmental. Hypertension, Hypoxemia and Asthma had been additionally decided for the evaluation of fitness parameters among the take a look at population. For this purpose, investigation also involved the collection of fingernails and scalp hair for heavy metal analysis (ICP-MS) from human subjects of two study sites. Results indicated that, except SI, SII had significant level of PM<sub>2.5</sub> and its heavy metal content. All soil indices which were employed to determine the level of pollution, indicates extreme level of metals at all the study sites. Therefore, local residents as well as workers, who were engaged in e-waste burning and industrial activities also had various levels of toxic metal concentrations in their scalp hair and fingernails. We concluded that the high levels of air pollution, containing toxic metal pollutants such as Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni released from e-waste burning activities, resulted in significant health risks for the exposed human population.It is recommended that environment of Moradabad City should be closely monitored by government agencies on routine basis. It was concluded that the toxic metal contamination imposed a negative influence on the environment, soil and human health.</p
Welding fumes contain a complex mixture of metallic oxides that pose a risk to welders' respiratory systems. This study aimed to evaluate respiratory health disorders among workers in some Egyptian welding enterprises and their relationship to the workplace environment. This research was performed from January 1 st , 2019 to February 28 th , 2021 in welding enterprises in Birket El-Sabaa, a randomly selected district of Menoufia governorate, Egypt. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 110 welders and 110 non-occupationally exposed subjects. Environmental studies were carried out for total welding fumes, respirable dust, and manganese air levels. Spirometric measures and manganese levels in whole blood were applied. Analysis of the personal air samples revealed that the mean values of welding fumes, respirable dust, and manganese air levels were higher than the international permissible levels. Welders had a higher significant prevalence of respiratory manifestations (rhinitis, cough, expectoration, wheezes, dyspnea, and chronic bronchitis) as well as decreased spirometric measures (FVC%, FEV 1 %, FEV 1 /FVC%, and FEF 25-75 %) than controls. The mean value of whole blood manganese level was statistically significantly higher among welders than that of the controls (3.35 ± 0.5 and 1.81 ± 0.79 ng/mL; respectively). A significant relationship was reported between longer work time and the prevalence of respiratory manifestations and decreased spirometric measurements. The use of masks/respirators was associated with a reduced prevalence of respiratory manifestations. Finally, welders that are exposed to welding fumes at concentrations higher than the permissible levels in welding establishments suffer from adverse respiratory problems, as shown by increased prevalence of respiratory manifestations and lower spirometric measurements. Regular use of high-quality personal protective equipment, especially masks, as well as periodic medical examinations for welders, is highly urged.
This study aims to assess the metal fume exposure of welders and to determine exposure rates for similar exposure groups in a shipyard through the use of Near-field/Far-field (NF/FF) mathematical model and Bayesian decision analysis (BDA) technique. Emission rates of various metal fumes (i.e., total chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni)) were experimentally determined for the gas metal arc welding and flux cored arc welding processes, which are commonly used in shipyards. Then the NF/FF field model which used the emission rates were further validated by welding simulation experiment, and together with long-term operation condition data obtained from the investigated shipyard, the predicted long-term exposure concentrations of workers was established and used as the prior distribution in the BDA. Along with the field monitoring metal fume concentrations which served as the likelihood distribution, the posterior decision distributions in the BDA were determined and used to assess workers’ long-term metal exposures. Results show that the predicted exposure concentrations (Cp) and the field worker’s exposure concentrations (Cm) were statistically correlated, and the high R² (= 0.81–0.94) indicates that the proposed surrogate predicting method by the NF and FF model was adequate for predicting metal fume concentrations. The consistency in both prior and likelihood distributions suggests the resultant posterior would be more feasible to assess workers’ long-term exposures. Welders’ Fe, Mn and Pb exposures were found to exceed their corresponding action levels with a high probability (= 54%), indicating preventive measures should be taken immediately. The proposed approach provides a universal solution for conducting exposure assessment with usual limited number of personal exposure data.
The inhalation of metallic compounds may lead to a wide variety of respiratory diseases, depending on the nature and amount of the inhaled agent, the site of its deposition in the respiratory tract, its clearance versus persistence in the lung, and host factors. This chapter focuses on the potential adverse respiratory effects of metals inhaled in the workplace. Rather than enumerating the respiratory toxicity of individual metallic elements, the approach consists of describing the possible role of metallic agents in various respiratory disorders.
A single exposure to the fumes or gaseous forms of many metals may lead to acute responses ranging from metal fume fever (a self-limited influenzalike reaction, caused mainly by zinc oxide) to severe tracheobronchitis or pneumonitis with pulmonary edema.
Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may result from occupational exposure to mineral dusts, including metallic dusts (notably cadmium oxide), or jobs involving inhalation of metal compounds, such as welding.
Bronchial asthma may be caused by specific immunological sensitization to complex platinum salts, and known sensitizers, such as nickel, chromium, or cobalt. “Potroom asthma” is a form of irritant-induced asthma likely caused by fluorides released during the production of aluminum.
Metallic dusts deposited in the lung may give rise to various types of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Epidemiologic studies indicate that occupational exposure to metals is a risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and sarcoidosis. Mining and processing of metal ores may lead to pneumoconiosis (mainly silicosis, regardless of the type of metal that is extracted). Siderosis is an infrequent condition that results from the inhalation of iron compounds, e.g., during welding (“welder's pneumoconiosis”). Exposure to indium-tin oxide (ITO), used for making flat screens, has been shown to cause lung disease that may initially present as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Chronic beryllium disease is characterized by sarcoidlike granulomas and can be diagnosed by an ex vivo test (beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test); it is likely that other metals may also cause sarcoidlike granulomatous lung disease. Hard metal lung disease is a rare ILD (characterized, in its most typical presentations, by giant cell interstitial pneumonia) that occurs in workers exposed to cobalt bonded with tungsten carbide or microdiamonds.
Several metallic agents and jobs in metallurgy are recognized causes of respiratory cancer in humans.
Background: The influence of welding-associated air pollutants on workers’ health is mainly regarded as a core issue in public health and occupational medicine. Previous studies have indicated that workers exposed to metal fumes had an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which was correlated with decreased serum adiponectin levels. This study aimed to explore whether heavy metal exposure affects the concentration of adiponectin among welding workers.
Methods: The study participants were recruited from a shipyard with 31 office workers and 100 welding workers in 2015. Urinary metal concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Serum adiponectin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Inferential statistics on repeated measures were performed using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). A weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model was conducted to examine the joint effect of the association of multimetal exposure with serum adiponectin.
Results: After adjustment for all confounding variables through a GEE analysis, significantly negative associations of numerous urinary metals with serum adiponectin were detected in the welding workers, including Cr (β = -0.088; 95% CI: -0.148, -0.027), Mn (β = -0.174; 95% CI: -0.267, -0.081), Co (β = -0.094; 95% CI: -0.158, -0.029), Ni (β = -0.108; 95% CI: -0.208, -0.008), Cd (β = -0.067; 95% CI: -0.115, -0.018), and Pb (β = -0.089; 95% CI: -0.163, -0.015). The contributions of multiple urinary metal levels to serum adiponectin levels, determined individually by WQS regression, suggested that Pb was the greatest contributor.
Conclusions: Welding workers exposed to heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, and Cd might have reduced serum adiponectin levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Welding fumes (WFs) can cause occupational pneumonoconiosis and other diseases in workers. WFs have complex chemical composition and morphology depending on the welding conditions. The WF surface is a key factor affecting those diseases. The objective of this study was to establish an analytical method focused on characterizing individual WFs and welding slags (WSs) formed during CO2 arc welding processes for knowledge acquisition of risk assessment. Especially, the characterization was focused on the elemental distributions near the surfaces obtained using fluxing agents and size of the WFs. WFs were collected using personal samplers. After welding, WS was also collected. The fluxing elemental distribution (e.g., Bi) near the surfaces WS and WFs were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. As a result, some of the micron-sized spherical particles (SPs) grew by incorporating nanosized primary particles composed of other metal species. The fluxing agents formed elemental distribution patterns on the SP surface. Bi were dotted in an agglomerate. Mn amount in WS depends on Mn amount in the WFs. These results obtained through the analysis of both the WS and WF surface as well as the particle sizes will facilitate the establishment of exposure assessment models.
The use of chemical substances has commonly increased, there are such a number of chemical dangers all spherical us that it is probably almost now no longer feasible to feature if we centered constantly on the dangers. This is precisely why we need to don't forget the dangers. Everyone need to apprehend exactly what do in case of unstable contact with risky material. Previously we tested consciousness of Jordanian peoples and measured the employees’ interest of risky chemical compounds1. So this new seek aimed to research chemical symbols attentions, a questionnaire survey come to be executed among a whole of 245 peoples. The questionnaire come to be acquainted with flammable risky symbols as 90.6%, however handiest 7% for fitness chance symbol. Statistical assessment of the statistics come to be finished with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The effects show that the descriptive information confirmed that scholars proven truthful to excellent familiarity and expertise of chemical chance caution symbols. Most college students had bad to truthful attitudes closer to chemical laboratory protection; however, the evaluation of college students’ chemical laboratory protection practices found out truthful to suitable practices. While college students’ protection focus and practices, however now no longer attitude, at this college have been acceptable, protection tactics want to be applied inside an extra expert protection training and coherent threat and protection weather management
To investigate the disease process of pneumoconiosis induced by welding-fume exposure, a lung fibrosis model was established by building a stainless steel arc welding fume generation system and exposing male Sprague-Dawley rats for 90 days. The rats were exposed to welding fumes with concentrations of 57– 67 mg/m 3 (low dose) and 105–118 mg/m 3 (high dose) total suspended particulates for 2 h per day in an inhalation chamber for 90 days. The concentrations of the main metals, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni, were measured in the welding fumes, plus the gaseous compounds, including nitrous gases and ozone, were monitored. During the exposure period, the animals were sacrificed after the initial 2-h exposure and after 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. Histopathological examinations were conducted on the animals' upper respiratory tract, including the nasal pathway and conducting airway, plus the gas exchange region, including the alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli. When compared to the control group, the lung weights did not increase significantly in the low-dose group, yet in the high-dose group there was a significant increase from day 15 to day 90. The histopatholgical examination combined with fibrosis-specific staining (Masson's trichrome) indicated that the lungs in the low-dose group did not exhibit any progressive fibrotic changes. Whereas, the lungs in the high-dose group exhibited early delicate fibrosis from day 15, which progressed into the perivas-cular and peribronchiolar regions by day 30. Interstitial fibrosis appeared at day 60 and became prominent by day 90, along with the additional appearance of pleural fibrosis. Accordingly, it would appear that a significant dose of welding-fume exposure was required to induce lung fibrosis.
With the way cleared for increased use of the fuel additive methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) in the United States, the issue of possible public health impacts associated with this additive has gained greater attention. In assessing potential health risks of particulate Mn emitted from the combustion of MMT in gasoline, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency not only considered the qualitative types of toxic effects associated with inhaled Mn, but conducted extensive exposure-response analyses using various statistical approaches and also estimated population exposure distributions of particulate Mn based on data from an exposure study conducted in California when MMT was used in leaded gasoline. Because of limitations in available data and the need to make several assumptions and extrapolations, the resulting risk characterization had inherent uncertainties that made it impossible to estimate health risks in a definitive or quantitative manner. To support an improved health risk characterization, further investigation is needed in the areas of health effects, emission characterization, and exposure analysis.
A 26-year-old welder became ill after exposure to zinc and cadmium fumes at work. His initial clinical course was consistent with that of metal fume fever, but persistence of symptoms and signs beyond the usual duration in this condition led to suspicion of a toxic pulmonary reaction to cadmium. The finding of high percentages of both metals in the urine confirmed this diagnosis. Pulmonary function tests showed restriction of lung volumes, with increased elastic recoil and reduced diffusion, but no evidence of airways obstruction. Chest roentgenograms indicated central pulmonary edema, which cleared in 6 days. Follow-up assessment 2 years later showed incomplete improvement of the restrictive ventilatory defect.
Welding fume particles collected from different welding procedures were tested for mutagenicity in Escherichia coli, with the inhibition zone in pol A- as compared to pol A+, and in Salmonella typhimurium, TA 100 strain. While no mutagenicity was found with mild steel welding, a mutagenic effect was established with samples from stainless steel welding. This mutagenicity was particularly associated with manual metal arc (MMA) welding, and less so with metal inert-gas welding. A decrease in or an elimination of the effect occurred with a liver microsomal metabolizing system (S-9 mix). The MMA samples produced the strongest mutagenic effect. More-detailed investigations on these samples showed that the mutagenic agent(s) is water soluble. An increased mutagenicity, which also revealed the induction of frame shift mutations, was found with TA 98. The same welding fume sample was used for a mutagenicity test (resistance to 6-thioguanine) with V 79 hamster cells. Because of the high toxicity of these welding fume particles on the cells, only very low concentrations could be tested, but the increase of mutations, when compared to the negative control, was significant. It is suggested that hexavalent chromium may be involved in the mutagenic effect of the welding fumes.
The research described in this paper was undertaken to investigate the health hazard of fume agglomeration in the arc welding process. It is well known by health professionals that local ventilation and personal protection equipment are essential to protect the welder's respiratory system. The results of this investigation readily show that an appreciable fraction of welding fume is in the hazardous size range of 1-7 μm. Furthermore, within a relatively short time interval after welding, the fume particles below 1 μm begin to grow into this size range. The data gathered in this research suggest that approximately 2 min after welding ceases (agglomeration period of test 4), the fume begins to experience a significant growth in the smaller ranges. Thus the welder is exposed to a health hazard during and immediately after welding, but this hazard becomes more pronounced as the fume ages. Verification test B, discussed earlier, supports the assumption that this growth process continues well beyond the 4 min of agglomeration allowed in these tests. These results should be considered in light of the limited scope of this investigation. Here only one type of base metal and electrode was used and the welding period was limited to 30 seconds, although longer periods were investigated in the verification tests. All of the tests conducted in this research were influenced by difficulties in attempting to weld for precisely 30 s. Similarly, some difficulty was encountered in precisely controlling the equipment in the sampling train on each of the separate runs of each test. Despite the limitations and possible inaccuracies of this research, the vital need to protect the welder's respiratory system is clearly demonstrated. No person who welds, even with relatively harmless materials, should allow himself to inhale the fumes resulting from that process both during welding and following the process. This need may not seem apparent to the welder, since a large fraction of the fume may be invisible; furthermore, welding is frequently done in widespread, temporary locations. Despite these facts, the health hazards of these fumes are significant and more pronounced when more hazardous (e.g., chromium) fumes are generated. Welders, and management responsible for welding personnel, have an important responsibility to control welding fume and avoid inadvertent threats to health.
In contrast to the effects of cutaneous application of chemical haptens, which cause cell-mediated hypersensitivity, their inhalation or oral administration may cause instead a specific immunological tolerance (Doe et al. 1982). Industrial metal fumes from stainless steel processing, e.g. metal arcwelding, contain mixtures of potential haptens such as chromium and nickel, which are capable of causing cutaneous sensitization (Hicks et al. 1979). Particulate components of such fumes are readily inhalable by exposed workers. There is thus a question of whether the haptens may lead to sensitization or if a state of immunological tolerance may result. However, effects of inhaled welding fumes are poorly documented with respect to humans, so these possibilities were investigated in the guinea-pig.
Possible sensitizing or tolerance-inducing effects of material in aqueous solution from fumes generated by manual metal arc welding of stainless steel (MMA-SS), were investigated by pretreatments using three doses of solution at 2-day intervals, followed by a 9-day interval, after which the sequence was twice repeated. In different tests, oral, intratracheal or intrapulmonary routes of administration were employed. Subsequently, treated animals were subjected to skin sensitizing and challenge-testing procedures, using nickel sulphate or potassium dichromate solutions. Lung lavage and peritoneal exudate cells were used for macrophage migration inhibition tests “in vitro”, to indicate systemic senzitisation. Cutaneous application of MMA-SS solutions induced sensitization to chromium and nickel, but prior intratracheal or intrapulmonary injection sequences prevented such development of skin sensitization. Animals pretreated with potassium dichromate sequentially by these routes displayed a similar lack of response to cutaneous sensitization and challenge procedures. These effects were interpreted as production of states of tolerance. Pretreatments with intrapulmonary or intratracheal nickel sulphate provoked systemic sensitization and marginal tolerance respectively. It is suggested that inhalation of welding fume particles containing potential sensitizing haptens might induce immunological tolerance but under same circumstances sensitization might occur instead.
The article deals with the generation of welding and cutting fumes, i. e. , gaseous and solid particles in cutting of steels, copper, and aluminum with oxygen, hydrogen, and plasma, and in resistance seam welding. The biological effects of these aerosols are examined and discussed.
In this article the authors describe the development of stainless steel welding electrodes having a low level of toxic chromium in the fume through the use of a lithium silicate binder for the coatings. The implications relating to health and safety and performance are discussed. The presence of hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in welding fumes has received particular attention because its toxicity is well documented and it is known to be a carcinogen in chromium plating and chrome pigment manufacture. In the particular case of the welding industry it has not been proven that CrVI has caused any cases of cancer but medical research into the effects of welding fume is continuing in several centres.
In an occupational mortality analysis of 486,000 adult male death records filed in Washington State in the years 1950-1982, leukemia and the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas show increased proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) in workers employed in occupations with intuitive exposures to electromagnetic fields. Nine occupations of 219 were considered to have electric or magnetic field exposures. These were: electrical and electronic technicians, radio and telegraph operators, radio and television repairmen, telephone and power linemen, power station operators, welders, aluminum reduction workers, motion picture projectionists and electricians. There were 12,714 total deaths in these occupations. Eight of the nine occupations had PMR increases for leukemia [International Classification of Diseases (ICD), seventh revision 204] and seven of the nine occupations had PMR increases for the other lymphoma category (7th ICD 200.2, 202). The highest PMRs were seen for acute leukemia: (67 deaths observed, 41 deaths expected; PMR 162), and in the other lymphomas (51 deaths observed, 31 deaths expected; PMR 164). No increase in mortality was seen for Hodgkin's disease or multiple myeloma. These findings offer some support for the hypothesis that electric and magnetic fields may be carcinogenic.
Deaths from lung cancer among 3,247 welders in western Washington during the period 1950 through 1976 were identified. Relative to those among men of comparable age and race in the population as a whole, lung cancer mortality rates among the welders were elevated by 32% [p = 0.06]. When the analysis was restricted to the period beginning 20 years after first employment, the excess was 74% [p < 0.001]. An excess was also found when welders were compared to nonwelders in the same union: the attributable risk was 23.1 per 100,000 per year. A review of 11 published studies showed that most demonstrate an excess risk, with 6 of the 11 showing an excess in the range of 30 to 50%. © 1981 The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Manganese chloride (50–800 μg) was injected unilaterally into the right nostril of rats and its accumulation in the central nervous system (CNS) was monitored. Brain manganese levels were elevated in a dose-dependent, time-dependent, and tissue-dependent manner. Elevated levels of manganese were detected in the right olfactory bulb and olfactory tubercle within 12 hr after instillation and remained elevated for at least 3 days. As little as 100 μg of manganese chloride was sufficient to increase brain manganese levels. No changes were detected on the left side of the brain. The manganese content of the striatum, the target site for manganese neurotoxicity, was unchanged following acute administration, but was elevated when two injections were made 1 week apart. These results suggest that air-borne manganese can be retrogradely transported along olfactory neurons to the CNS and can reach deeper brain structures under appropriate exposure conditions.
A patient with the clinical history of recurring zinc fume fever underwent an experimental welding exposure; this resulted in a systemic reaction and a distinct self-limiting response in the periphery of the lung, demonstrated by pulmonary function tests and bronchoalveolar lavage. These pulmonary changes observed for the first time in man were reproducible.
The study was primarily concerned with the risk of lung cancer in certain occupations. One occupation, asbestos workers, was found to have a definite increased risk of lung cancer, and the risk increased with length of time in the occupation. No other occupation was found to have increased lung cancer hazard. Other causes of mortality were not found related to these occupations except for two groups that had excess mortality from both cancers of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx and from cirrhosis of the liver. These diseases are associated with alcohol consumption, and this is the most likely explanation. The problems involved in the case control and prospective study sequence are discussed. Also the possible masking effect of such a powerful etiologic factor as cigarette smoking is discussed.
There is growing concern over the neurotoxic effects of chronic occupational exposure to metal fume produced by welding. Elevated iron and manganese levels in the brain have been linked to an increase in lipid peroxidation, dopamine depletion and predisposition to the development of a Parkinson's type condition in advanced cases. Chemical and toxicological analysis of selected welding fumes, generated by model processes, were used in order to evaluate their potential to release solutes that promote oxidation of dopamine and peroxidation of brain lipids in cell free assays. This study compared the effect of shield gas, electrode type and voltage/currect upon the dopamine and brain lipid peroxidation potential of selected welding fume, obtained from metal inert gas (MIG) welding systems. Overall, fume extracts were found to enhance dopamine oxidation and inhibit lipid peroxidation. Significant differences were also found in the oxidising potential of fume generated under differing process conditions; it may therefore be possible to determine the potential neurotoxicity of fumes using this system.
The objective of this study was to examine the pathogenesis of metal fume fever in humans by studying functional, cellular, and biochemical responses after exposure to zinc welding fume. We studied 14 welders recruited through public advertisements. Participants welded galvanized steel. We measured lung volumes, airflow, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and airway reactivity at baseline as well as either 6 or 20 hours after welding. We carried out bronchoalveolar lavage either 8 hours (early follow-up, 5 participants) or 22 hours (late follow-up, 9 participants) after welding, assaying the fluid for total and differential cell counts and bronchoalveolar lavage supernatant concentrations of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Changes in pulmonary function and airway reactivity were minimal. Cumulative zinc exposure and polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at late (r = 0.87; P less than 0.01) and early (r = 0.93; P less than 0.05) follow-up were positively correlated. Among the late follow-up group, the mean proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes was 37% (range, 19% to 63%), a statistically greater proportion than the 9% (range, 2% to 21%) seen among the early follow-up group (P less than 0.05). We did not detect TNF or more than a trace amount ofmore » interleukin-1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage supernatant. Zinc oxide welding fume was associated with a marked dose-dependent increase in the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 22 hours after exposure but was not associated with a clinically significant change in pulmonary function or airway reactivity. Although we did not identify increases in either interleukin-1 or TNF levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cytokines or a cytokine-like mechanism may mediate the syndrome of metal fume fever.« less
Possible mechanisms were examined whereby welding fumes may elicit injury and inflammation in the lungs. The effects of different welding fumes on lung macrophages and on the in vivo production of two inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), were assessed. Fume was collected during flux-covered manual metal are welding using a stainless steel consumable electrode (MMA-SS) and gas metal are welding using a mild steel electrode (GMA-MS). For the in vitro study, bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on untreated rats to recover lung macrophages, and the effects of the welding fumes on macrophage viability and respiratory burst were examined. In vivo, additional rats were intratracheally instilled with the welding fumes at a dose of 1 mg/100 g body weight. These rats were lavaged 1, 14, and 35 days postinstillation, and indicators of lung damage (cellular differential, albumin, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta release, and lactate dehydrogenase and beta-n-acetyl glucosaminidase activities) were measured. In vitro, the MMA-SS fume was more cytotoxic to the macrophages and induced a greater release of reactive oxygen species as measured by the respiratory burst compared to the GMA-MS fume. In vivo, evidence of lung damage was observed for both fumes I day postinstillation. By 14 days, lung responses to the GMA-MS fume had subsided and were not different from the saline vehicle control group. Significant lung damage was still observed for the MMA-SS group at 14 days, but by 35 days, the responses had returned to control values. One day after the instillations, both welding fumes had detectable levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta within the lavage fluid. However the MMA-SS particles caused a significantly greater release of both cytokines in the lavage fluid than did the GMA-MS group. The results demonstrate that MMA-SS fume caused more pneumotoxicity than GMA-MS. This increased response may reflect enhanced macrophage activation, the increased production of reactive oxygen species, as well as secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta.
The control of occupational exposures to particulates, and to welding fumes in particular, is traditionally performed by hygienic monitoring on paper filters. Exposure limits for metals frequently depend on solubility, and are usually based on worst case data, which, in the case of the putative carcinogens Ni(II) and Cr(VI) are derived from historic industrial exposures which have resulted in detectable cancer overincidence. Towards this aim the absolute toxicity and transformation potency of a series of Cr and Ni compounds, and industrial metallic aerosols, including welding fumes from several processes (both mild steel without and stainless steel with Cr and Ni) are compared in a standardized procedure involving alternative collection, storage and bioassay protocols.
The anatomical characteristics of the nasal cavities of various experimental animals and man have been presented along with particle deposition considerations. There are a number of differences and similarities between the species. Perhaps one of the most obvious examples of anatomical differences is in the structure of the turbinate regions. Some of the differences could affect deposition of various sized particles in the nasal cavities. A degree of caution, therefore, has to be exercised in extrapolating the nasal deposition characteristics from one species to another. Simple scaling calculations may not be sufficient.
A significant annual increase in injuries associated with repair and maintenance has been noted throughout the mining industry. This was thought to be attributable partially to increased mechanization, but other causes, such as unsafe equipment, tools, or functions may have been major contributing factors. This study, therefore, was conducted to determine if such other factors existed and to what degree these factors were hazardous. Data were extracted from the Health and Safety Analysis Center computer bank in the categories of underground metal mining, underground nonmetal mining surface metal mining, surface nonmetal mining, sand and gravel pits, quarries and crushed stone, plants and metal and nonmetal mills. With the cooperation of industry, operational data were gathered relative to operating time, general maintenance, and welding for the respective categories. This information then was normalized to give a relative Hazard Index (H.I.) for specific equipment, tools, and functions. It was determined that haulage trucks were the most hazardous in the equipment category, followed closely by conveyors. In general, the study showed that improvement in welding protection and functions is paramount; also, regardless of what the job is, if a man must use force such as swinging a hammer or pulling hard on a wrench, the probability of injury is greatly increased.
Deaths from lung cancer among 3,247 welders in western Washington during the period 1950 through 79-76 were identified. Relative to those among men of comparable age and race in the population as a whole, lung cancer mortality rates among the welders were elevated by 32% (p = 0.06). When the analysis was restricted to the period beginning 20 years after first employment, the excess was 74% (p < 0.001). An excess was also found when welders were compared to nonwelders in the same union: the attributable risk was 23.1 per 100,000 per year. A review of 11 published studies showed that most demonstrate an excess risk, with 6 of the 11 showing an excess in the range of 30 to 50%.
(C)1981 The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
In a case-control study, 839 male hospital-based cases of primary lung cancer and the same number of population-based controls—matched by sex, age, and region of residence—were personally interviewed for their job and smoking histories. The study allows to quantify occupational asbestos exposure that was thought to be a welding-associated risk: 6% of cases and 2% of controls were classified into the occupational category “welders or burners” (odds ratio [OR] = 2.65). This OR was reduced to 1.93 (95% confidence limit [CL]: 1.03–3.61) after adjustment for smoking and asbestos. In contrast, a history of welding in general for at least a half-year is 28% among cases and 23% among controls, yielding an OR of 1.25 (95% CL: 0.94–1.65) after adjustment for both confounders. The OR of welding for more than 6,000 hr is 1.45 (95% CL = 1.04–2.02), reduced to 1.10 after adjustment for smoking and asbestos. Oxyacetylene welding for more than 6,000 hr lifelong is associated with an OR of 1.86 (95% CL = 1.01–3.43) reduced to 1.46 (n.s.) after adjustment for smoking and asbestos. The risk of oxyacetylene welding seems to be highest for oat cell carcinoma with an adjusted OR for ever-exposure of 1.46 (95% CL = 0.69–3.10). Therefore, the present study supports the hypothesis that some, but not all, of the excess risk of welders observed in the literature may be due to a history of cigarette smoking and occupanional asbestos exposure. The elevated risk for the subgroup of employees in the aircraft industry reported for the midterm evaluation of the study still prevails, though no longer statistically significant. However, employees in this industry who ever welded show an OR of 2.29 (95% CL = 1.19–4.42) after adjustment for smoking and asbestos. Am. J. Ind. Med. 33:313–320, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Fumes generated from mild steel and stainless steel welding were collected on paper filters and tested in the BHK and SHE cell transformation assays. Fumes from the manual metal arc welding of stainless steel (MMA/SS) had a toxic and transforming effect attributable to their Cr(VI) content. The fumes from metal inert gas stainless steel (MIG/SS) welding also had a toxic effect but this was 2–3 times greater than that expected from their soluble Cr(VI) content based on the activity of soluble Cr(VI) from pure chromium compounds. When collected in an impinger, the fumes from MIG/SS were found to contain approximately 10 times the soluble Cr(VI) content of samples collected on filters. This additional Cr(VI), when collected in a water impinger, also exhibited a greater toxicity compared with that found for the additional Cr(VI) collected in an impinger filled with growth medium. This comparison implies the presence of a short-lived biologically active Cr(VI) species usually lost in conventional sampling techniques. It also implies that there is a detoxification step associated with the formation of Cr(VI) organic complexes. Relatively insoluble Cr(VI) compounds showed a higher toxic and transforming effect in the BHK assay than could be ascribed to the soluble Cr(VI) content of the medium, indicating the importance of phagocytosis as a pathway for the uptake of Cr(VI) and other toxic substances from particulates.
The incidence of asthma was compared in welders welding in stainless steel (SS) or mild steel (MS). The study was comprised of welders who had been welding for at least 6 months during the preceding 10 year period in four companies, but who had not been welding occupationally prior to this time. The inclusion criteria were met by 42 SS welders with a total welding time of 196 years. Sixteen of these had left work, six because of airway symptoms. Eighty-five MS welders with a total welding time of 403 years were included. Forty-eight of these had left work, 10 citing airway symptoms as a main reason for leaving work, according to responses in a mailed questionnaire. Ex-welders with airway symptoms were in some cases further investigated with spirometry and bronchial provocation tests. In other cases, medical records gave a clear diagnosis.In addition, bronchial responsiveness and lung function were measured and airway symptoms were recorded in presently active welders. Twenty-three of the 26 active SS steel welders and 23 of the 37 active MS steel welders were examined, together with a reference group of 26 (out of 30 invited) vehicle assemblers.There was no difference in the incidence of welding-associated asthma (5% for SS, 7% for MS welders per 1,000 welding-years). Bronchial responsiveness and lung function in active welders was normal and did not differ between MS and SS welders or between welders and a reference group of vehicle fitters. Welders had a significantly higher prevalence of airway symptoms as compared to vehicle fitters.
An epidemiological, cross-sectional study was conducted in order to assess non-neoplasic effects on the lung due to chronic exposure to arc welding fumes and gases. The study involved 346 arc welders and 214 control workers from a factory producing industrial vehicles. These workers (welders and controls) had never been exposed to asbestos. Respiratory impairments were evaluated by using a standardized questionnaire, a clinical examination, chest radiophotography and several lung function tests (spirometry, bronchial challenge test to acetylcholine, CO transfer tests according to the breath-holding and the steady-state methods, N2 washout test). The only significant differences between the welders overall compared to the controls were a slightly higher bronchial hyper-reactivity to acetylcholine and a lower lung diffusing capacity for CO in the welders. However, non-specific, radiologic abnormalities (reticulation, micronodulation) and obstructive signs were more frequent in the most exposed welders (welding inside tanks) than in welders working in well ventilated workplaces. The nature of the metal welded (mild-steel, stainless steel, aluminium) did not seem to have an influence on respiratory impairments. In the mild-steel welders, respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, recurrent bronchitis) and obstructive signs were more frequent in the welders using a manual process than in the welders involved with the semi-automatic process (MIG). For all the workers (welders and controls), smoking had a markedly adverse effect on respiratory symptoms and lung function. Moreover, smoking seemed to interact with welding since CO lung transfer was more impaired in smoking welders than in smoking controls.
The prevalence of respiratory symptoms, determined with the Medical Research Council's questionnaire, the impairment of lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV%) and the occurence of pulmonary radiographic findings were investigated in a group of 157 electric arc welders and 108 controls. Environmental measurements were made in the workplaces of 88 of the examined welders.
The welders had simple chronic bronchitis more often than did the unexposed men (p < 0.01), but no dose-response relationship was found when the prevalence of simple chronic bronchitis was compared with time and level of exposure. The means of the lung function values of the welders with and without simple chronic bronchitis did not differ from each other. The prevalence of mucopurulent chronic bronchitis was the same in the welders and the controls.
No significant differences between the two groups were found for lung function, the radiographic findings and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, except for simple chronic bronchitis. However, the welders reported frequent colds, sore throats, hoarseness and fevers more often than the unexposed men did.
In order to investigate occupational diseases related to welding fume exposure, such as nasal septum perforation, pneumoconiosis and manganese intoxication, we built a welding fume exposure system that included a welding fume generator, exposure chamber and fume collector. The fume concentrations in the exposure chamber were monitored every 15 min during a 2-h exposure. Fume (mg/m3) concentrations of major metals, including Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni were found to be consistently maintained. An acute inhalation toxicity study was conducted by exposing male Sprague–Dawley rats to the welding fumes generated in this apparatus by stainless steel arc welding. The rats were exposed in the inhalation chamber to a welding fume with a concentration of 62 mg/m3 total suspended particulates for 4 h. Animals were sacrificed at 4 h and at 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after exposure. Histopathological examinations were conducted on the animals’ upper respiratory tracts, including the nasal pathway and the conducting airway, and on the gas exchange region including the alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli. Diameters of fume particles varied from 0.02 to 0.81 μm and were distributed log normally, with a mean diameter of 0.1 μm and geometric standard deviation of 1.42. Rats exposed to the welding fume for 4 h did not show any significant respiratory system toxicity. The mean particle diameter of 0.1 μm resulted in little adsorption of the welding fume particles in the upper respiratory tract. Particle adsorption took place principally in the lower respiratory tracts, including bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, and alveoli.
As a result of recent research on the potentially adverse health effects of sub-micrometer aerosols, a generation chamber and sampling system was designed to characterize aerosols from a popular welding system that utilized either gas metal arc welding or flux cored arc welding techniques. The experimental apparatus allowed flexibility in changing arc welding parameters, sample locations, and was designed to promote the steady-state generation of fumes over several minutes. In contrast to prior studies where the particle size distribution was weighted by mass without regard to its time/temperature history, the welding aerosols in this study were temporally collected and weighted by a lower moment, particle number. The results demonstrated that the welding alloy had a marked effect on the particle size distribution, morphology and chemical aspects of the resultant fume. In addition, the particle size distributions from these processes were multi-modal and dynamically changed with time.
Soluble and insoluble hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) agents are concomitantly released with ozone (O3) during welding. Although pulmonary/immunologic implications from exposure to each agent individually have been investigated, the effects from simultaneous exposure, as occurs under actual working conditions, are unclear. To investigate immunomodulatory effects of inhaled Cr6+, F-344 rats were exposed for 5 h/day, 5 days/week for 2 or 4 weeks to atmospheres containing soluble potassium chromate (K2CrO4) or insoluble barium chromate (BaCrO4), each alone at 360 μg Cr/m3or in combination with 0.3 ppm O3. One day after the final exposure, rats were euthanized, their lungs were lavaged, and pulmonary macrophages (PAM) were recovered for assessment of basal and inducible functions. Rats inhaling K2CrO4-containing atmospheres had greater levels of total recoverable cells, neutrophils, and monocytes in bronchopulmonary lavage compared to rats exposed to insoluble Cr6+atmospheres, O3alone, or air; these rats also had a reduced percentage of PAM, although total PAM levels remained unaffected. Although Cr exposure-related changes in PAM functionality were evident, any dependence upon Cr solubility was variable. K2CrO4-containing atmospheres modulated PAM-inducible interleukins-1 and -6, and tumor necrosis factor-α production to a greater degree than those containing BaCrO4. Conversely, BaCrO4-containing atmospheres affected PAM basal nitric oxide production and interferon-γ-primed/zymosan-stimulated reactive oxygen intermediate production to a greater extent than did those containing K2CrO4. In none of the PAM assays did co-inhalation of O3result in a modulation of the effects obtained with either Cr6+compound itself. The results indicate that, while immunomodulatory effects of inhaled Cr6+upon PAM are related to particle solubility, the co-inhalation of O3apparently does not cause further modifications of the metal-induced effects.
In animal studies concerned with the deposition of particulate matter in the lung, two methods for delivery of particles are commonly used, aerosol inhalation and intratracheal instillation of particle suspensions. We have attempted to evaluate the distribution patterns of each of these methods. Particles labeled with 99mTc were administered to both rats and hamsters. The animals were subsequently killed. The lungs were excised, weighed, inflated, dried, and divided into 54 pieces which were counted individually in a Nuclear-Chicago Model 4230 Automatic Gamma Scintillation System. Groups receiving intratracheal instillations demonstrated nonuniform distribution patterns with preferential deposition in the dependent portions of the lung. The aerosol groups evidence more even distribution with preferential deposition in the apical lobes.