Assessment of Respiratory and Renal Functions Among Gas Metal Arc Welders and Their Relations With Chromium Exposure

Abstract

Background: Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. Welders use many types of welding equipment set up in a variety of positions. Arc welding is the most common type. Welding, soldering, and brazing workers often are exposed to a number of hazards, including the intense light created by the arc, poisonous fumes, and very hot materials.Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate some of the health hazards among gas metal arc welders with special emphasis on renal and lung examination and to monitor the level of chromium in blood and urine, and studying its relation with the renal condition. Our aim was also to detect early renal affection by measuring of B 2 microglobulin in urine. Subjects and methodology: This study was conducted in three welding shops in El Manial, and El Maadi, in Cairo. The study was accomplished during the months of October and November, 2006.The studied group comprised 18 workers in the metal arc welding shops. They were adult men aged between 18-42 years (26.5 ±7.8), working on the basis of 12 hours/day with one day off per week. None of the workers used any protective equipment during working hours. A referent group of 20 males matched for age that ranged from 21-41 yrs., (26.2±6.38), sex, socioeconomic status, smoking Health education programs of workers about hazards of exposure to harmful agents and proper measures for protection is essential and this includes training programs to raise awareness among welders. Effective local exhaust ventilation to remove hazardous gases and fumes is essential. Finally, urinary or blood chromium can be used as indicators of recent chromium exposure among welders.