An investigation of occupational exposure to welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds in a large container manufacturing enterprise

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the current status of the occupational hazards of welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds in the welding environment of a large container manufacturing enterprise, as well as the status of occupational health examination of workers, and to provide a basis for improving the welding environment of this enterprise. Methods: In August 2016, July 2017, and August 2018, convenience sampling was used to perform an on-site occupational hygiene survey of the welding workshop for three consecutive years, and welding fume, manganese and, manganese compounds (counted as manganese dioxide) were measured for their workplace exposure concentrations and exposure levels in workers. A comprehensive analysis was performed for the results of occupational health examination. Results: Welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds in the welding environment gradually increased from 2016 to 2018 (χ(2)(trend)=5.14 and 5.54, P<0.05). The maximum over-standard rate of concentration-short term exposure limit was 43.3% (13/30) for welding fume and 40.0% (12/30) for manganese and its compounds, and the maximum over-standard rate of time-weighted average concentration was 26.7% (8/30) for welding fume and 23.3% (7/30) for manganese and its compounds. Abnormalities were observed in the occupational health examination of welding workers in 2016-2018, among which respiratory system abnormalities (cough, expectoration, and wheezing), nervous system abnormalities (dizziness, fatigue, sleep disorders, amnesia, hyperhidrosis, and palpitations), and electrocardiogram abnormalities (bundle conduction block) had an incidence rate of above 10.0%, and the incidence rate of abnormalities on posterior-anterior X-ray high-kV chest radiograph was close to 8.9% (30/336) . Conclusion: There is severe exposure to welding fume, manganese, and manganese compounds among workers in this enterprise, which cause great hazards to the health of workers. It is necessary to strengthen occupational health management, take measures to improve the welding environment, and enhance occupational disease prevention.