Respiratory Disorders, Pulmonary Functions and Radiological Abnormalities among Workers Exposed to Welding Fumes

Abstract

Introduction: The welding process produces visible smoke that containsharmful metal fume and gas by-products which may have deleterious effectson the respiratory system. Aim of Work: To study the prevalence of respiratorysymptoms and diseases, and to detect the changes in pulmonary functions andchest X rays among welders. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectionalstudy was conducted in the Shuaiba industrial area, Kuwait. Two hundred andthirty-five welders and 155 unexposed workers were interviewed using theBritish Medical Research Council questionnaire; clinical examination (generaland local to the chest) was done. Workers underwent measurements of lungfunctions, and chest X rays were performed and interpreted, according to theILO classification of pneumoconiosis. Cases suggestive of pneumoconiosisunderwent high-resolution CT scanning. Results: Exposure to weldingfumes significantly increased the prevalence of chronic cough in the earlymorning, it was 1.74 times fold higher compared with unexposed workers.Chronic bronchitis was more prevalent among welders, but the result wasnot statistically significant. Metal fume fever was experienced by 23.4% ofthe studied welders, the majority reported one or two attacks per year, and attacks usually lasted for one or two days. The frequency of sick leaves wassignificantly higher among welders (35.74%) compared with unexposedworkers (14.19%), and was mainly due to respiratory diseases, followedby musculoskeletal disorders, and injuries. Lung function indices (LFIs)(FVC, FEVI, FEV1%, PEFR, FEF75%, FEF50%, and FEF25%) showed significantdecrements among welders after adjusting for age, height, weight, andsmoking, moreover, increase in the duration of exposure to welding fumes wassignificantly associated with a decrease in lung functions after allowing for theeffect of confounders. Findings suggestive of pneumoconiosis were observedamong welders. Conclusion: Welding fumes had significant adverse effects onthe respiratory system of welders and safety measures should be encouragedamong workers.