Levels and predictors of airborne and internal exposure to manganese and iron among welders

Abstract

ning 11 and The Weldox GroupWe investigated airborne and internal exposure to manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) among welders. Personal sampling of welding fumes was carried out in 241 welders during a shift. Metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mn in blood (MnB) was analyzed by graphite furnace atom absorption spectrometry. Determinants of exposure levels were estimated with multiple regression models. Respirable Mn was measured with a median of 62 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 8.4 --320) mg/m 3 and correlated with Fe (r ¼ 0.92, 95% CI 0.90 --0.94). Inhalable Mn was measured with similar concentrations (IQR 10 --340 mg/m 3 ). About 70% of the variance of Mn and Fe could be explained, mainly by the welding process. Ventilation decreased exposure to Fe and Mn significantly. Median concentrations of MnB and serum ferritin (SF) were 10.30 mg/l (IQR 8.33 --13.15 mg/l) and 131 mg/l (IQR 76 --240 mg/l), respectively. Few welders were presented with low iron stores, and MnB and SF were not correlated (r ¼ 0.07, 95% CI À0.05 to 0.20). Regression models revealed a significant association of the parent metal with MnB and SF, but a low fraction of variance was explained by exposure-related factors. Mn is mainly respirable in welding fumes. Airborne Mn and Fe influenced MnB and SF, respectively, in welders. This indicates an effect on the biological regulation of both metals. Mn and Fe were strongly correlated, whereas MnB and SF were not, likely due to higher iron stores among welders.

Systemic serum amyloid A as a biomarker for exposure to zinc and/or copper-containing metal fumes

“…Depending on the constitution of the welding fumes and the respective exposure conditions, epidemiological studies have shown that welding fume exposure is associated with the risk of health impairment through respiratory illness, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. [1][2][3][4] Zinc and copper play an increasing role in modern joining technology, especially in the automotive industry, and hence exposures from workers become more frequent. In a recent study, a distinct increase of systemic C-reactive protein (CRP) has been shown after inhalation of welding fume from a metal inert gas brazing process of zinc-coated steel using a copper-containing welding wire at an average fume concentration of 2.5 mg/m 3 .…”

Hair Manganese as an Exposure Biomarker among Welders

“…For instance, Mn exposure from welding fume may vary from <10 µg m −3 in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) to >580 µg m −3 in flux core arc welding (FCAW) (Pesch et al, 2012). In addition, exposure levels may vary widely due to the welding environment, use of ventilation, and use of respiratory protective equipment (Flynn and Susi, 2009;Liu, 2010;Hobson et al, 2011).…”

Effects of Manganese Exposure on Blood Iron Indices in Miners of Iran Manganese Mines Co. (Qom)

“…Many studies indicate that blood iron level in individuals exposed to Mn are reduced and the same results are shown in laboratory animals [1,14]. Within the plasma, Mn is largely bound to gamma-globulin and albumin, and a small fraction of trivalent (3+) Mn is bound to the iron-carrying protein, transferring [17].…”

“…Smith was showed correlation between blood manganese and iron deficiency [13]. In many studies, strong relationship between blood Mn and Fe level were observed [14].…”