Chemical pollutants in the respiratory zone of welders: Determination of concentrations and hazard analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Welding pollutants have potentially dangerous effects on the health of welders. Analysis of exposure risks is an appropriate method for industrial hygiene occupational exposure. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the concentrations of exposure and risk evaluation of welders to fumes and gases in three common types of welding including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at a steel company. Samples were taken from manganese, chromium and nickel fumes with NIOSH 7300 method and for NO, NO2, CO and O3 gases using direct reading instruments. SQRCA method was used to assess the level of exposure risk. RESULTS: Our study showed that the highest and lowest concentrations of exposure to gases were observed in MIG and GTAW welding, respectively. Also, the highest and lowest concentrations of exposure to metals were observed in SMAW and GTAW processes, respectively. Mean exposure to M, Cr and Ni metals was 2.302, 3.195, and 1.241 mg/m3, respectively. Also, mean exposure to CO, NO, NO2 and O3 was 43.05, 27.88, 4.30, and 0.41 ppm, respectively. Results of risk analysis showed that O3, NO2 and Cr had high and very high risk levels in all welding processes. CONCLUSIONS: MIG and SMAW welders have a high occupational exposure to metal and toxic gases in welding. Preventive measures such as assessment of workplace air, installation of the ventilation systems, and providing appropriate respiratory protection devices for welders should be taken.

Comparison of the chemical health risk assessment of exposure to metal fumes for the furnace operator of a foundry industry using quantitative and semi-quantitative methods

“…Also, in Mehrifar et al's study in 2020, the concentration of chromium, nickel, and manganese metals in a welding process was 3.19, 1.24, and 2.30 mg per cubic meter, respectively, and the risk level by SQRA method was 33, respectively. 2.1, 1.73 and 2.0 were estimated, which is almost consistent with the current study, even though the type of job was different [ 18 ]. On the other hand, the concentration obtained from metal fumes in different studies is sometimes significantly different from the present study, which can be attributed to the different types of jobs and environmental conditions.…”

“…In a study by Mehrifar et al (2020) using this technique to assess the health risk of gases emitted from welding, the study showed that O3 and NO2 gases and chromium fumes had high-risk levels. Also, it was concluded in this study that welders have a high risk of exposure to fumes and gases caused by welding, and it is necessary to implement appropriate control measures for these people [ 18 ]. Quantitative risk assessment is usually based on the integrated risk information system provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency.…”

Job Safety Analysis and Hazard Identification of Welding Process in Semarang - JSA Method AS/NZS 4360:2004

“…Trips or collision with electric equipment also might lead to electric shock [16]. Several other studies have also stated that electric shock in the welding process is the highest risk of danger that often occurs in the welding process [13,[17][18].…”

Metal Exposure-Related Welder’s Pneumoconiosis and Lung Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Container Factory of China

“…A metabolomics study showed evidence that metabolite changes during welding fume exposure were closely associated with systemic inflammation [ 14 ]. In addition, several metals in the welding fume (chromium (VI), lead, cadmium, manganese, and some nickel and cobalt oxides) are also recognized as carcinogens [ 15 ]. Metal exposure is closely related to changes in lung function.…”