Clinical analysis of 56 cases of occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by dust of iron and its compounds / 中国职业医学

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and imaging features of occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by dust of iron and its compounds (OPTIDIC). Methods: A total of 230 cases of occupational welder's pneumoconiosis (OWP) patients or observation subjects were selected as the research subjects using the retrospective analysis method. They were diagnosed in four occupational disease diagnosis institutions in Shandong Province from 2010 to 2017. The high kV X-ray chest radiography or chest digital radiograph (hereinafter referred to as X-ray) were re-read to screen OPTIDIC patients. The clinical data of OPTIDIC patients were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 230 cases, 56 cases were diagnosed as OPTIDIC, accounting for 24.3%. The clinical symptoms of the 56 patients with OPTIDIC were cough, sputum, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, while their physical signs were low or coarse breath sounds in lungs and others. Most of the X-ray results showed p shadows or q shadows, accounted for 98.2%, of which p/p shadow and q/q shadow accounted for 62.5%. The result of chest computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse point/round shadow and diffuse glass shadow in OPTIDIC patients. The result of fibro-bronchoscopy showed that a large amount of iron lutein particles was accumulated in macrophages and biopsy of lung showed idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in OPTIDIC patients. Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of OPTIDIC patients showed no different from OWP. However, the result of X-ray of OPTIDIC patients mainly showed small circular shadows, and their CT images mainly showed diffuse point/round shadows or grinding glass shadow, which could be used to the differential diagnosis of OPTIDIC and OWP.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in upper back of welders in an automobile factory / 环境与职业医学

Background China's automobile manufacture is a labor-intensive industry, and most of the welding tasks are manual operations. It is often necessary to observe the solder joints during operation, and there are many adverse health outcome-related factors involved in the work process. However, the research on the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the upper back of welders is still insufficient. Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs in the upper back of welders from an automobile factory. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A cluster random sampling method was used to select 972 electric welders from an automobile factory as the study subjects. The Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs in the upper back in the past year. Results The prevalence rate of WMSDs in the upper back in the welders was 42.2% (410/972). The positive rates of studied occupational risk factors were 72.5% (705/972) for maintaining same posture for a long time, 71.8% (698/972) for bending and twisting for a long time, and 64.7% (629/972) for repetitive trunk movements. The univariate analysis showed that the prevalence rates of WMSDs were significantly different among workers categorized by gender, working age, twisting and/or bending for a long time, working in the same position for a long time, lifting heavy objects in an uncomfortable position, repetitive trunk movements, being unable to exert energy due to discomfort, work involving cold or temperature changes, personnel shortage, no rest between work, working hours per week, and working in an uncomfortable position (P<0.05). The results of multiple logistic regression indicated that female, working in the same position for a long time, working in an uncomfortable position (frequently), lifting heavy objects in an uncomfortable position, and being unable to exert energy due to discomfort were associated with higher risks of reporting WMSDs in the upper back (OR=2.37, 1.46, 1.76, 1.44, and 1.50, respectively, P<0.05); the risk of reporting WMSDs in the upper back increased by 95%, 157%, and 196% for every 10 h increase in weekly working hours (41-50 h, 51-60 h, ≥61 h vs ≤40 h); adequate rest time was associated with a lower risk for WMSDs in the upper back (OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.49-0.98). Conclusion The prevalence rate of WMSDs in the upper back of welders in the automobile factory is high, and many occupational risk factors are involved. Measures should be taken for intervention and prevention.

Influencing factors and attribution analysis of hand/wrist musculoskeletal disorders among welders in an automobile factory / 环境与职业医学

Background Welders in automobile manufacturers are prone to hand/wrist musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which seriously affect workers' physical and mental health. Objective To investigate the factors influencing hand/wrist MSDs of welders in an automobile factory and the population attributable risk percentage (PARP). Methods Five branches of an automobile factory were selected by convenient sampling method, and all qualified welders in the selected branches were enrolled as research participants. The Chinese Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to collect information such as general characteristics of welders, presentation of MSDs in the wrists and hands, and selected ergonomic factors. Log-binomial model in the SAS program was used to calculate the prevalence ratio (PR) of each influencing factor and PARP. Results The prevalence rate of MSDs in the hands/wrists of welders in the automobile factory was 44.1% (345/782). The results of multiple analysis showed that female (PR=1.25, 95%CI: 1.10-1.44), being very tired after work (versus not tired, PR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.16-4.25), twisting wrists (PR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.19-1.74), insufficient operating space (PR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.07-1.40), and holding or pinching objects by hands (PR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.18-2.12) increased the risk of reporting hand/wrist MSDs symptoms. The PARP of major occupational risk factors was: holding or pinching objects by hands, 32.46%; twisting wrists, 21.50%; being very tired after work, 15.28%; and insufficient operating space, 8.18%. Conclusion The prevalence of MSDs symptoms in hands/wrists of welders in this automobile factory is high. Gender, holding or pinching objects by hands, twisting wrists, being very tired after work, and insufficient operating space are the factors affecting hand/wrist MSDs, among which holding or pinching objects by hands and twisting wrists are the priority intervention factors.

Distribution characteristics of newly reported occupational welder′s pneumoconiosis in Guangdong Province, 2013-2022 / 中国职业医学

Objective To analyze the distribution features of newly reported cases of occupational welder′s pneumoconiosis (OWP) in Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2022. Methods Data of newly reported cases of OWP from National Occupational Disease Network Direct Reporting System of Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2022 was analyzed using conventional data analyzing Methods. Results A total of 294 cases of OWP were reported in Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2022 with an overall downward trend. The average age at diagnosis for new OWP cases was 44±6 years old, and the median of dust exposure duration was 11 years. Males accounted for 99.3% of the cases, and 94.2% of the cases were phase Ⅰ OWP. Guangzhou City had the highest regional distribution with 74.8% of the cases. The industry distribution was mainly manufacturing, accounting for 86.7% of the cases. The scale of enterprises was most common in small enterprises, followed by large and medium-sized enterprises, accounting for 38.4%, 30.6% and 24.5% of the cases respectively. The economic types of enterprises were mostly private enterprises, followed by state-owned enterprises, accounting for 54.1% and 32.0% of the cases respectively. Conclusion In Guangdong Province, the newly reported OWP cases were clustered in terms of disease stage, regional distribution, industry, enterprise scale and enterprise economic type. There was a tendency of younger age at diagnosis and shorter dust exposure duration.

Epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed occupational pneumoconiosis in Guangdong Province from 2011 to 2020 / 中国职业医学

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed occupational pneumoconiosis (hereinafter referred to as "pneumoconiosis") in Guangdong Province from 2011 to 2020. Methods Clinical data of newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis in Guangdong Province from 2011 to 2020 was collected from the “Health Hazards Monitoring Information System” under “China Disease Prevention and Control Information System”. The distribution of the cases was analyzed retrospectively. Results A total of 2 731 cases of newly diagnosed pneumoconiosis were reported from 2011 to 2020 in Guangdong Province, with cases at stages Ⅰ,Ⅱ, and Ⅲ accounting for 61.6%, 23.8%, and 14.6%, respectively. Except for talc pneumoconiosis, 12 other types of pneumoconiosis were reported. The top three incidence of diseases were silicosis, other pneumoconiosis, and welder's pneumoconiosis, accounting for 58.8%, 22.0% and 11.0%, respectively. Males accounted for 97.5%, and females 2.5%. The median age of onset was 47 years old. The median dust exposure duration was 9.8 years, with 19.4% of cases having a dust exposure duration less than 5.0 years. And 80.7% of the cases were distributed in the Pearl River Delta region. The industries with the new cases were mainly the manufacturing (accounting for 69.4%), and 34.8% of cases were found in private limited liability companies. Cases in medium- and small-sized enterprises accounted for 35.7% and 34.3% respectively. Conclusion Silicosis, other pneumoconiosis, and welder's pneumoconiosis are predominant in Guangdong Province. The prevention and control of pneumoconiosis should focus on small- and medium-sized private enterprises in the concentrated manufacturing industry in the Pearl River Delta region.

Neck musculoskeletal disorders and their influence factors among welders in an automobile factory / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To explore the prevalence and risk factors of neck musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) of welders among an automobile factory. Methods: In June 2019, a cluster random sampling method was used to select 677 electric welders from an automobile manufacturing plant in Shiyan City as the survey objects, and a questionnaire survey was conducted using the "Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire" to analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of neck MSDs, and used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between the influencing factors and the prevalence of cervical MSDs. Results: The prevalence rate of MSDs in neck of welders was 54.8% (371/677) . The exposure rate of occupational factors, from high to low, were neckin a bent formord porsure was 71.6% (486/677) , repetitive head movements was 55.1% (373/677) , working in uncomfortable postures was 48.7% (330/677) and neck twisted was 46.8% (317/677) respectively. Sex, age, educational level, length of service, smoking, neck tilt, neck twist, working in uncomfortable posture and head repetitive movements were the risk factors of neck MSDs (P<0.05) . Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, the main influencing factors of neck MSDs were sex, education level, age, length of service, smoking, neck tilt, working in uncomfortable posture (OR = 2.11, 2.03, 1.83, 1.21, 1.78, 1.90, 1.58, 95%CI: 1.28~3.48、1.47~2.81、1.33~2.52、1.03~1.41、1.22~2.60、1.28~2.83、1.11~2.27, P<0.05) , rest had protective effect on neck MSDs (OR= 0.38, 95%CI: 0.17~0.88, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Welders in automobile factory was highly exposed to occupational risk factors for neck MSDs. Occupational risk factors such as neck in a bent forward posture, working in an uncomfortable posture, prolonged siting, repetitive head movement should be the focus of intervention.

Diseño de dietas alimentarias para soldadores y paileros a partir de su gasto energético / Design of food diets for welders and smiths based on their energy expenditure

RESUMEN Introducción: el desempeño laboral en algunos puestos de trabajo, determina un alto nivel de carga física por parte de los trabajadores, por lo que se impone la necesidad de disponer de una adecuada dieta alimentaria para mantener la salud física y mental. Objetivo: se desarrolló una investigación para diseñar una dieta alimentaria para soldadores y paileros a partir del gasto energético en actividades laborales. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de campo que partió de una muestra no probabilística de soldadores y paileros de la Empresa Industrial Ferroviaria José Valdés Reyes. Se ejecutó un procedimiento que permitió la determinación de la dieta alimentaria de los trabajadores a partir del gasto energético de las actividades que desarrollan. Se aplicaron ciertas técnicas de observación directa, entrevistas, tormenta de ideas, medición directa de variables fisiológicas y ecuaciones para el cálculo del gasto energético. Resultados: se diseñaron tres variantes de dietas ajustadas al gasto energético de tres puestos de trabajo de la mencionada empresa. Conclusiones: se espera que la aplicación de las dietas diseñadas contribuya a mantener una buena salud de los trabajadores de esos puestos de trabajo (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: the working performance of certain jobs determines a high level of physical load from the part of the workers, for what the necessity is imposed of having an appropriate food diet to preserve the physical and mental health. Objective: to design a food diet for welders and smiths starting from the energy expense in working activities. Materials and methods: a field study was carried out starting from a probabilistic sample of welders and smiths from the Industrial Railroad Enterprise Jose Valdes Reyes. A procedure was performed allowing to determine the energy expenditure of the activities they develop. Several techniques like direct observation, interviews, brain storm, direct measure of physiological variable and equations were used to calculate the energy expenditure. Results: three diet variants were designed adjusted to the energy expenditure of the three working places of the before mentioned enterprise. Conclusions: it is expected the application of the designed diets will contribute to keeping good health of the workers in those working places (AU).

Analysis of work-related low back musculoskeletal disorders among electric welders in an automobile factory / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of work-related low back musculoskeletal disorders(WMSDs) among electric welders in an automobile factory and to analyze its individual influence factors. METHODS: A total of 754 electric welders with a service length ≥1.0 years from an automobile factory in Shiyan City were selected using judgment sampling method. The Musculoskeletal Disorders Standard Questionnaire was used to collect the information of low back WMSDs. RESULTS: The annual prevalence of low back WMSDs among electric welders was 65.9%(497/754). The prevalence in females was higher than that in males(78.4% vs 63.1%, P<0.01). The prevalence of WMSDs had a rising tendency with age, educational level and service length(P<0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the risk factors for low back WMSDs were age, gender, and educational level(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of low back WMSDs of electric welders in the automobile factory is high. Gender, age and educational level are the main risk factors affecting low back WMSDs.

Current status and influencing factors of hearing loss in suspected occupational noise-induced deafness among electric welders in Nantong City / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the current status and influencing factors of hearing loss in the suspected occupational noise-induced deafness(ONID) among welders in Nantong City. METHODS: A total of 3 265 noise-exposed welders who underwent the occupational health examination in Nantong City in 2017 were collected as the study subjects by judgment sampling method. The data of occupational medical examination of these welders was collected. The incidence and influencing factors of suspected ONID were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 159 cases of suspected ONID were detected and the detection rate was 4.87%. The suspected ONID was mainly mild noise-induced deafness, accounting for 82.39%(131/159). The abnormal rates of 4 000 Hz hearing threshold in the left and right ears of suspected ONID cases were higher than that of 3 000 Hz in the corresponding ears(100.00% vs 93.08%, 98.11% vs 92.45%, P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and length of service during noise exposure were risk factors for suspected ONID(P<0.05). The risks of suspected ONID among welders in general equipment manufacturing industry, metal products industry, other industries, electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing industry, and manufacturing of equipment of railways, ships, aerospace and other transportations were lower than that in computer, communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing industry. The odds ratio(OR) and 95% confidence interval(95%CI) were 0.341(0.155-0.752), 0.264(0.112-0.620), 0.149(0.038-0.582), 0.110(0.035-0.341), 0.418(0.179-0.972), respectively. The risk of suspected ONID among welders in state-owned enterprises was lower than that in private enterprises(OR=0.254, 95%CI 0.116-0.559,P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The age, service length of noise exposure, type of enterprise industry and economy of enterprise are all influencing factors of suspected ONID in electric welding workers in Nantong City.

Symptomatic Pulmonary Siderosis A case report

Pulmonary siderosis or Welder’s lung is a rare occupational lung disease which occurs due to long term inhalation of iron compounds. It is most commonly seen in arc-welders. Most of the patients are asymptomatic with mild or no functional impairment. We report a case of pulmonary siderosis with symptomatic respiratory disease and restrictive pattern in pulmonary function test.

Spectralis optical coherence tomography findings in Welder's maculopathy.

Welder's maculopathy is a form of photochemical damage to the retina and is typically characterized by involvement of the outer retinal layers. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging was performed in three eyes of two patients with clinical findings suggestive of Welder's maculopathy in occupational welders. A faceted foveal lesion characterized clinical examination and the SD-OCT line scans images showed a distinct discontinuity of the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) junction. The external limiting membrane (ELM) and the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) layer remained intact at the site of IS/OS defect. SD-OCT imaging offers a noninvasive way of evaluating the microstructural changes at the fovea in Welder's maculopathy.

Pulmón del soldador de arco / Arc welder's lung

La siderosis del soldador o neumoconiosis siderótica fue descripta por Doig y McLaughlin en 1936 como una enfermedad pulmonar causada por la inhalación crónica de polvo de hierro en soldadores de arco eléctrico. Presentamos un caso de siderosis del soldador asociada a aumento de los niveles de ferritina, sin hallazgo de depósito de hierro en otros órganos y sin causas evidentes de hemosiderosis secundaria.

Pneumoconiosis of electric arc welder or siderotic pneumoconiosis was described by Doig and McLaughlin in 1936 as a lung disease caused by chronic inhalation of iron fumes in electric arc welders. We present a case report of electric arc welder siderosis associated with high levels of ferritin, without findings of iron deposit in any other organ.

A Case of Welding-related Parkinsonism with the High Serum Aluminum Level

No abstract available.

Assessment of Neurobehavioral Performance among Welders Exposed to Manganese / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: A cross sectional study was carried out in the welders exposed to manganese and control group. The aim of this study was to assess the adverse effects of manganese on central nervous system of welders. METHODS: The study group consisted of 49 welders and the reference group, 49 workers matched with welders for age and educational level in automobile manufacturing company. Concentration of manganese in welding hume, in blood, and cumulative exposure index(CEI) were determined for each subject. For each group, computerized neurobehavioral test including Simple Reaction Time, Digit Symbol, Digit Span, and Finger Tapping Speed of Swedish Performance Evaluation System were applied. RESULTS: Exposure level of manganese in welders were very low(mean CEI 0.069). Welders exposed to manganese had slower response speed, slower motor steadiness, and shorter memory span than control group. But these differences were not statistically significant. The performance of Finger Tapping Speed tended to lower as environmental and biological exposure index got higher. Other neurobehavioral tests were found to have a little association with the exposure indices. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference of neurobehavioral performance between welders and control group. This study indicates that Finger Tapping Speed measuring motor steadiness might be a one of useful tests for early detection of adverse effects of welding on central nervous system.

Manganese Exposure and its Health Hazards of Welders / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: In order to evaluate the degree of manganese exposure and its health hazards effect on welders in manufacturing industry. METHODS: The author measured airborne, blood and urine concentrations of manganese and blood chemistry, and also observed clinical symptoms and signs on 60 welders for case an.d 60 non-welders for control working in manufacturing industry by age maching method. RESULTS: The geometric means of blood and urine concentrations of manganese were 1.13 +/- 1.38 microgram /dI and 2.52 +/- 1.37 microgram /I for Welders group, 1.09 +/- 1.68 microgram /dl and 1.86 +/- 1.34 microgram / I for Non-welders group. Airborne concentration of manganese was 0. 15 +/- 1.66 mg/m3 for exposured group, and the urinary mean concentration of manganese was statistically significant difference between exposured and non-welders group (P < 0.05). Clinical signs in welders group were palmomentle reflex (23.3%), tremor (20.0%) and grabellar sign (5.0%). Symptoms in welders group were fatigue (66.7%), amnesia (66.7%), excessive sweating (51.7%), nervousness (51.7%), general weakness (48. 3%) and arthralgia (46.7%) and so on, and there was statistically significant difference compared to non-welders group (P<0.05). Manganese exposure effects on blood chemistry were not observed. There were statistically significant correlation between manganese concent- ration in blood and urine (r=0. 269), airborne and urine (r=0. 601) and airborne and blood (r=0. 268). CONCLUSION: The author suggest that further studies are followed to evaluate the health status of welders whose blood and urine manganese concentrations were below normal reference level, and to establish the questionnaire and the diagnostic tools for early detecting the chronic manganese poisioning on welders.

A Case of Metal Fume Fever Associated with Copper Fume in a Welder / 예방의학회지

Metal fume fever has been known as an occupational disease is induced by intense inhalation of fresh metal fume with a particle size smaller than 0.5 nm to 1 nm. The fumes originate from heating metals beyond their boiling point, as happens, for example, in welding operations. Oxidation usually accompanies this process. In most cases, this syndrome is due to exposure to zinc oxide fumes; however, other metals like copper, magnesium, cadmium, manganese, and antimony are also reported to produce such reactions. Authors report a case of metal fume fever suspected to be associated with copper fume inhalation. The patient was a 42-year-old male and was a smoker. He conducted inert gas tungsten arc welding on copper-coated materials without safety precautions such as a protective mask and adequate ventilation. Immediately after work, he felt metallic taste in his mouth. A few hours after welding, he developed headache, chilling sensation, and chest discomfort. He also complained of myalgia, arthralgia, feverish sensation, thirst, and general weakness. Symptoms worsened after repeated copper welding on the next day and subsided gradually following two weeks. Laboratory examination showed a transient increase of neutrophil count, eosinophilia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and positive C-reactive proteinemia. Blood and urine copper level was also increased compared to his wife. Before this episode, he experienced above complaints several times after welding with copper materials but welding of other metals did not produce any symptoms. It was suggested that copper fume would have induced metal fume fever in this case. Further investigations are needed to clarify their pathogenic mechanisms.

An Association between Brain MRI and Neurologic Findings in Welders Exposed to Manganese Fume / 대한산업의학회지

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurological findings in welders exposed to manganese fume. Thirty five welders from a bus manufacturing factory who were occupationally exposed to low dose manganese fume were examined. We collected the information on the demo graphic factors and welding careers. Laboratory investigations included blood and urine manganese concentration and blood chemistry. Brain MRI was checked, and high signal intensity of the globus pallidus was graded from 0 to 3 compared to the white matter of the frontal lobe. Neurologic examination wart carried out. The results were as follows ; 1. The mean age of workers was 48.3+/-5.7 years, mean duration of welding was 21.4 +/-5.6 Years. 2. On brain MRI, high signal intensity in the globes pallidus was observed in 27 workers (77.1%) Among them, 18 cases (66.7%) showed remarkably high signal intensity (grade 2) Mean concentration of blood manganese was higher in those with high signal intensity and correlated to the grade of high signal intensity (p=0.02) 3. On neurologic examination, no workers showed the finding of typical parkinsonism. But 11 workers (31.4%) showed subtle neurological abnormalities such as gait without associated arm movement, postural instability, intention tremor, and so on. Blood manganese concentration of neurologically abnormal group was 2.4+/-0.7 microgram/dL, which was significantly higher, compared to 1.8+/-0.7 microgram/dL of neurologically normal group (p=0.03). 4. Among 27 workers who showed high signal intensity on brain MRI, 10 workers (37%) were neurologically abnormal. Higher grade of signal intensity on globus pallidus showed higher rate of neurologic abnormality (p<0.05) Especially postural instability and gait without associated arm movement were prominent findings. These bindings suggest that high signal intensity on brain MRI might be associated with a prodromal sign of manganese intoxication. Careful neurologic examination should be tool lowed up on welders showing high signal intensity in the golbus pallidus of brain MRI.

A Study on Bronchitis Associated with Welding at a Manufacture Factory

BACKGROUND: The adverse health effects of welding come from chemical, physical, and radiation hazards. An outbreak of bronchitis was reported among welders at a manufacture factory in Pohang at Sep 1996. The object of this study is to assess the cause of the bronchitis in the welders. METHODS: Authors conducted a questionnaire survey for 12 welders in the factory and a family physician examined their health status. Authors also collected their routine health examination reports and air concentrations of their work environment at that time. RESULTS: The incidence rate of the bronchitis among welders was 91.7%(11 cases among 12 welders). The symptoms were developed at Feb 1996, 3 months after welding against steelplates. They were aggravated during worktime and relieved at weekend. The symptoms were cough(100.0% ), sputum(90.9% ), sore throat(72.7% ), and general fatigue(72.7% ). No abnormal findings were observed in the physical examinations and the radiologic findings. Though air concentrations of welding fume in the confined space(geometric mean = 14.68mg/m3) were over the permissible exposure limit(5mg/m3), those in open space(geometric mean=3.66mg/m3) were below. The air concentrations of metal components(Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni) in the fume were within each of the permissible exposure limit. CONCLUSIONS: Authors thought that the outbreak of bronchitis was brought about by CO2 arc welding against paint-free steelplates. Further studies on the factors contributing to the bronchitis will be needed.

Manganese Concentration in Blood and Urine of Manganese Exposed Welding Workers / 대한산업의학회지

Blood and urine samples were taken from 447 welders exposed to manganese containing welding fumes and 127 office workers not exposed to welding fumes as a control. The air samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Varian 30A, Australia), and blood and urine samples were analyzed by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer(Z-8100, Hibachi, Japan). Data were evaluated in accordance with type of industry, smoking habits, and work duration. The results obtained were as follows: 1. The limit of detection(LOD) levels of manganese in blood and urine were 0.11 microgram/100ml of and 0.14 microgram/l, respectively. Our results of manganese concentration were shown within +/-2 standard deviation which was the upper and lower warning limit (UWL or LWL) on quality control chart. 2. The airborne concentrations of manganese in welding workplaces were 0.067 mg/m3 showing differences by type of industry ; 0.017 mg/m3 in automobile assembly and manufacturing industries, 0.084 mg/m3 in steel heavy industries and 0.180 mg/m3 in shipyards. 3. The blood manganese concentrations showed differences by type of industry showing the highest values of 1.70 microgram/100m1 in shipyards, 1.24 microgram/100m1 in automobile assembly and manufacturing industries and 1.11 microgram/100ml in steel heavy industries. Urinary manganese concentration corrected by urinary creatinine concentrations was 0.34 microgram/g creatinine in automobile assembly and manufacturing industries, 0.43 microgram/g creatinine in steel heavy industries and 0.48 microgram/g creatinine in shipyards. There were no difference urinary manganese concentrations by type of industry. 4. The overall blood manganese concentration was 1.26 microgram/100ml, and urinary manganese concentration was 0.35 microgram/g creatinine in welders. In contrast to these values, blood and urinary manganese concentrations were lower in control group showing 0.73 microgram/100m1, and 0.28 microgram/g creatinine, respectively. 5. Smoking habits did not seem to affect on blood and urinary manganese concentrations both in welders and office workers. 6. Blood manganese concentrations were significantly higher in welder who had worked longer than 10 years than in welder who had worked less than 10 years. 7. The blood manganese concentrations were significantly correlated to airborne manganese concentrations(r=0.318, n=64), work duration(r=0.425, n=538), and cumulative exposure indices(CEI) (r=0.354, n=64).

A Study on Immunity of Welders / 대한산업의학회지

The authors examined human immunity indicators such as CD4, CD8, Natural Killer (NK) cell, IgG, IgA, and IgM, and heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Cd to evaluate the health hazard of welders. We selected total 126 male subjects, 60 welders who had more than 5 year working history as an exposure group, and 66 office workers and medical college students as a control group. This immunity evaluation approach is the first newly designed study that has never been tried in past studios on welder's heath evaluation. And the results were as follows. 1. Total lymphocyte count of peripheral blood was significantly higher in welder group, 2,615+/-650 ea/microliter compared with 2,368+/-681 ea/microliter in control group (p or =0.05). 3. IgG, IgA, and IgM in welder group were 15.9 mg/dl, 2.7 mg/dl, and 1.5 mg/dl, respectively, and 15.6 mg/dl, 2.9 mg/dl and 1.7 mg/dl in control group. There was no statistical significance between two groups(p> or =0.05). 4. Blood lead, cadmium and chromium concentrations were 4.2+/-1.8 microgram/dl, 0.4+/-0.38 microgram/dl, 1.2+/-0.6 microgram/dl in welder group and 3.2+/-1.7 microgram/dl, 0.44+/-0.29 microgram/dl, 1.1+/-0.6 microgram/dl in control group, respectively, and these value were within normal ranges.