Respiratory Effects from Welding Fumes in Automotive Industries in Malaysia (original) (raw)
Lung function and persistent symptoms among 53 welders in Plant 1 and 44 welders in Plant 2 of automotive industries in Selangor, Malaysia were investigated. Lung functions of 52 non-welders subjects working in the similar industries were also investigated. Interviews were conducted to gathered data on persistent symptoms, smoking habits and demographic data of the welders. Lung function test by using handheld spirometer were conducted for both welders and non-welders. Metal fumes samples collected from the breathing zone of the welders were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). None of the metal elements concentration was exceeding the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for both plants. However, the odds of the more than 5 years working welders to experience 'sore or dry throat' are 3.38 times higher than less than 5 years working welder in Plant 1. In addition, statistical analysis showed significant mean difference of lung functions between weld...
Related papers
Pulmonary adverse effects of welding fume in automobile assembly welders
Acta medica Iranica, 2011
Welding is one of the key components of numerous manufacturing industries, which has potential physical and chemical health hazards. Many components of welding fumes can potentially affect the lung function. This study investigates the effects of welding fumes on lung function and respiratory symptoms among welders of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This historical cohort study assesses 43 male welders and 129 office workers by a questionnaire to record demographic data, smoking habits, work history and respiratory symptoms as well as lung function status by spirometry. The average pulmonary function values of welders were lower relative to controls with dose-effect relationship between work duration and pulmonary function impairment. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was higher in welders than controls. Our findings suggest that welders are at risk for pulmonary disease.
ORIGINAL REPORT Pulmonary Adverse Effects of Welding Fume in Automobile Assembly Welders
2011
Welding is one of the key components of numerous manufacturing industries, which has potential physical and chemical health hazards. Many components of welding fumes can potentially affect the lung function. This study investigates the effects of welding fumes on lung function and respiratory symptoms among welders of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This historical cohort study assesses 43 male welders and 129 office workers by a questionnaire to record demographic data, smoking habits, work history and respiratory symptoms as well as lung function status by spirometry. The average pulmonary function values of welders were lower relative to controls with dose-effect relationship between work duration and pulmonary function impairment. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was higher in welders than controls. Our findings suggest that welders are at risk for pulmonary disease.
Welding is a critical and important operation in various industries. The operation produces poisonous fumes and gases that can cause respiratory problems towelding technicians. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health estimates that at least 2 million workers arerecruited as welders. This makes it necessary to preserve and protect the well-being of researchers by measuring the level of fumes inhaled by researchers. A descriptive-cross sectional study was carried out in welding workshops within the Nahav and Hamadan City of Iran. In order to measure the density of welding fumes in respiratory spaces, NIOSH 7300 and 7048 were followed. The collected data were compared with NIOSH and ACGIH standards and the results were presentedin tables and diagrams. As shown by the results, out of 15 specimens taken from the respiratory system of subjects, 3 (20%) met the standards and 12 (80%) exceeded the standards. This result indicated an imperative need to find alternative processes, provide ventilation systems for research shops and welding spots, equip the workers with respiratory masks, carry out routine checkups so that their exposure to welding fumes can be reduced.
Loading Preview
Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.