Respiratory health disorders among workers in some Egyptian welding enterprises

Abstract

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 1st, 2019 to February 28th, 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%, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC%, and FEF25-75%) 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.

Risk for lung-related diseases associated with welding fumes in an occupational population: Evidence from a Cox model

“…In this study, welders were exposed to higher concentrations of welding fumes than non-welders, which is consistent with the results of the environmental investigation in this study. Welders were more likely than non-welders to wear dust masks (p < 0.001) and welding face screens (p < 0.001) , and the Abdel-Rasoul study found that effective mask wearing significantly improved the respiratory function of welders ( 26 ). The intense light and ultraviolet light produced during Almahmoud welding can damage the eyes, and the welding face screen and special goggles can effectively reduce damage to the eyes ( 27 ).…”

Welding Fumes Versus Respiratory System – An Up-to-Date Overview of Welding Lung Diseases

“…In a more recent study, Zhou S, et al demonstrated that pneumoconiosis may severely affect lung function, most commonly when working with Cr (chromium) and Zn (zinc), and it could have an impact on kidney function as they found and urinary Cd (cadmium) and also haemal Pb (plumbum/ lead). Therefore, same study have showed that even after leaving the welding environment, the lung damage would either keep the original stages or progress slowly to aggravation (12).…”

“…Multiple studies have shown that welders can develop severe chronic inflammations of the superior airway tract, most frequently described in scientific literature being chronic rhinitis (both atrophic and hyperplastic forms are mentioned in relation to welding working environment). Symptoms described associated are: anosmia (temporary or permanent), rough voice, nasal mucosa irritation and conjunctivitis (pink-eye) (4,11,12).…”